The Weird History of Concert Tickets Part 1
Summary
Host Alan Cross explores the complex and often frustrating history of concert ticketing, tracing its evolution from ancient Greek theaters to modern digital systems. He details the rise of computerized sales in the 1960s and 70s, highlighting early competitors like Ticketron and Select-A-Seat before Ticketmaster’s emergence. The episode covers persistent issues such as scalping, service charges, and corporate consolidation, setting the stage for a deeper dive into the industry's current state.
Topics discussed
Intro: Defining concert tickets and the complexity of the industry
Ancient history: Greek theaters, Roman amphitheaters, and early scalpers
The first rock concert: 1952 Moondog Coronation Ball disaster
Pre-computer ticketing and the rise of TRS/Ticketron
CompuTicket rivalry and the problems with physical ticket lines
Scalpers, 'diggers', and bribery in the box office era
Select-A-Seat, Bass, and the evolution of computerized ticketing
1970s ticketing methods and vintage concert commercials
Bill Graham, wristbands, and the growth of rock promotion
Failed experiments: Photomat and the founding of Ticketmaster
Ticketmaster's rise: US Festival, Hyatt investment, and buying Ticketron
Conclusion: Preview of Part 2 and podcast outro
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