The high cost of concert culture

2–3 minutes

Ticket prices, long lines, and seas of phones have warped what concerts are supposed to be

In the 2010s, going to a concert felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It was a night of live music, shared energy, and genuine connection. But now, it feels more like a sport. Between ticket price surges, ticketing companies becoming monopolies, and long queues, concert culture has shifted from a celebration of music to an endurance test.

Getting tickets used to be about being quick and lucky. Lucas Peng (12), a student who has gone to over 10 concerts in his lifetime, said, “When you hear that people go to a lot of concerts, you’re like ‘oh my god, it’s so much money!’ And yes, it is. But you can make it work if you really want to. I’ve never paid more than $200 for any tickets.”

But for many of today’s big shows, this is not possible. Now, getting tickets is more about how much you’re willing—or able—to pay. Attending concerts was once manageable for some students, but that doesn’t reflect the reality of today’s market. According to LiveNOW, a television network operated by Fox, average ticket prices jumped 80.5% between 2021 and 2024, a rate 4 times higher than inflation. The average minimum ticket price for the biggest artists in 2025 reached as high as $254 for a Bruno Mars show. Meanwhile, Ticketmaster reportedly captures 60-70% of the US ticket market for major events.

In other words, the deck is stacked. Even if someone is savvy about general admission and buys early, they’re playing a rigged game.

Fans piled up at the pit of Levi’s Stadium for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour long before the concert started (Photo Credit: Iniya Prabahar (12)).

If you do manage to score a ticket, that’s when the marathon starts. “For some shows, people are camping from 8 or 9 AM just to get a good spot,” said Peng. Standing in line hours ahead of showtime is increasingly normal. Even after paying outrageous ticket prices, people still need to show up early, fight the crowd, and stake their claim.

So, is it still worth it? Despite everything, yes; for many it is worth it. Live music still offers something digital streaming can’t—the energy of a crowd and the shared thrill of being part of something larger than yourself. There’s a tangible excitement and emotional intensity that can’t be fully replicated at home. The energy of being surrounded by other fans amplifies every moment of the performance. Even with all the obstacles, that unique experience keeps fans coming back.

Even so, the system undermines the experience. The thrill of seeing one’s favorite artist live shouldn’t hinge on how much they can pay or how early they can camp out.

Live music should feel accessible and communal. In 2025, it has become expensive and exhausting. Concertgoers need to be strategic, flexible in where they are sitting, and ready to stand and wait. With some reforms and smarter strategies, such as implementing pricing that reflects demand, limiting resale markups, or offering different ticketing options to ensure affordability, the experience could be preserved without draining wallets or patience. The show must go on—but it doesn’t have to cost more than the experience is worth.