What are the economics behind rising concert ticket prices?
Summary
The Hard Shoulder discusses the soaring prices of Oasis concert tickets in Ireland, ranging from €181 to €501, with guest Susan Hayes-Culleton. They analyze how the shift from album sales to touring and merchandise, combined with high venue and security costs, drives these figures. The conversation contrasts this with the backlash against dynamic pricing during the 2025 reunion tour, noting that Slane Castle will use fixed tiered pricing to avoid fan resentment. The episode also explores the "experience economy," nostalgia, and how artists like Paul Heaton and Gareth Brooks maintain lower p…
Topics discussed
Introduction: Oasis at Slane and rising ticket prices
Breakdown of costs: venue, security, and staffing
Demand, nostalgia, and the shift to touring revenue
Dynamic pricing backlash and 2025 tour statistics
Venue infrastructure and merchandise spending
Cost of living crisis vs. discretionary spending
Global demand and the 'experience economy'
Fan sentiment and the impact of dynamic pricing
Ticket tiers, seating, and VIP amenities
Artist pricing strategies and political impacts
Changing music economics and listener questions
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