Ticketmaster = evil?

[PTS]

The missus and I just bought tickets to see The Shins in NYC at $50 each. This isn't too bad, but certainly more than I was expecting to pay. Now we're looking at going to see Depeche Mode play later this year and it's going to cost at least three or four times that each. I know what with the whole downloading fiasco, most bands can only really make money this way, but I get the feeling that it's not the bands who are left to determine ticket prices. Of course, I blame Ticketmaster. I don't know exactly how the gig booking industry works so maybe shouldn't be so quick to point a finger, but I do remember the whole Pearl Jam taking Ticketmaster to court thing in the nineties. Are they the evil monopolizing corporation I imagine them to be?

[James]

In a word, yes. I call them "TicketBastard". I really love paying their "convenience fees." I call them "inconvenience fees" because they're...well quite inconvenient to my wallet.

[Phil M]

Maybe Depeche Mode's management just charges more(?)

[PedalFreak]

Ticketbastard is the worst. Ticket Brokers (Scalpers) get first dibs at tickets. Then all their fees. Just got tickets to see Ben Harper. Ticket price = $34.50, after fees they were $50. And I've had worse with them. Once there was close to $30 in fees!!!

[Luke]

Exercise your right to not buy from them.

[PTS]

Originally Posted by Luke

Exercise your right to not buy from them.

I always try to find an alternative, but sometimes there's no way around it. I personally would love to see them the victim of an organized boycott, but at the same time I like going to shows...

[pickslide]

More often than not, the only option is to buy from scalpers, which is worse...I guess.

[chrisr777]

Originally Posted by PTS

Are they the evil monopolizing corporation I imagine them to be?

Yes. Yes they are.

I just went to see Sweet at the House of Blues in Hollywood. With a half price deal the tickets were $9.00 each, $18.00 for the pair. With TM charges the total was $29.86. Almost $12.00 in charges on $18.00 worth of tickets. Part of it was $3.80 for an order fee. What? They charge you just for the fact that you are ordering tickets? What is the convenience charge for? $29.86 to see a show these days is nothing, but what TM charges is almost criminal.

[DocRock]

Yes. They are representative of all that is soul-less and wrong.

[P90Nut]

I recently purchased 3 tickets to see Robin Trower at the Royal Oak Music Theatre. the tickest were $35.00 each at the box office...TM wanted almost $9.00 more per ticket in charges. Screw that, I drove to the box office and bought them direct. My friends & I do that all of the time. I don't care how far that we have to drive!

Mark

[greggorypeccary]

You're just realizing this?

[PTS]

Originally Posted by greggorypeccary

You're just realizing this?

No. Just looking for clarification from someone in the know on how this daylight robbery happens?

[Jon Silberman]

Yes and I am exercising my right not to buy from and no I don't like it.

[tone4days]

it's a shame .. i only VERY rarely go see a live show anymore because of the insane costs ... as long as folks pay, it'll stay this way ... i feel bad for my sons (12-15) who wont be able to go to shows as frequently as i did .. but concert dvd's on blu ray on a nice big screen tv doesnt totally suck

[movingpictures]

Originally Posted by P90Nut

I recently purchased 3 tickets to see Robin Trower at the Royal Oak Music Theatre. the tickest were $35.00 each at the box office...TM wanted almost $9.00 more per ticket in charges. Screw that, I drove to the box office and bought them direct. My friends & I do that all of the time. I don't care how far that we have to drive!

Mark

+1.. You going to see Derek Trucks? Should be a great show, and im like a half mile down the road from ROMT..