Bruce Springsteen is facing backlash for pricing tickets for his forthcoming United States music tour at up to $5,000 per ticket. Criticism has been directed at the utilization of Ticketmaster’s “dynamic pricing” model, which adjusts ticket prices based on demand for specific shows and performances. Springsteen is not alone in charging exorbitant prices, as other artists like Taylor Swift, Drake, and Harry Styles are also setting high ticket rates for their upcoming tour dates.
Tickets for Springsteen’s shows are being sold by Ticketmaster for as much as $4,000 to $5,000 per ticket, while those in less favorable seating sections of the venues are priced at up to $1,000 per admission. This pricing structure is attributed to Ticketmaster’s practice of inflating ticket prices in response to increased demand, a strategy known as “dynamic pricing” that has been in place since its implementation in 2011.
Bruce Springsteen’s upcoming tour has stirred controversy due to Ticketmaster’s dynamic pricing model, resulting in ticket prices soaring to as much as five times higher than those of fellow artists like Harry Styles, Taylor Swift, and Drake. Fans are venting their frustration on social media, feeling excluded from the opportunity to attend the Boss’s United States tour, set to hit cities nationwide in the coming months.
The exorbitant ticket prices for Springsteen’s shows are particularly upsetting to fans because his music embodies the essence of everyday American life, with Springsteen long seen as a champion of the working class.
Ticketmaster’s dynamic pricing model includes the option for customers to purchase “platinum tickets,” providing access to any seat in the venue. According to Ticketmaster’s FAQ page, this pricing strategy adjusts according to demand, similar to the pricing mechanisms used in the airline and hotel industries. The aim is to ensure fair access for passionate fans while allowing artists and event organizers to set ticket prices that reflect their true value.
While Springsteen’s ticket prices have drawn significant criticism, recent outcry has also been directed at Drake’s high-priced tickets for his upcoming Young Money reunion show in Canada, where platinum tickets reached prices as high as $1,480 for premium seats.
Springsteen himself has not publicly addressed the issue of the steep ticket prices. The only statement regarding fan concerns came from Steven Van Zandt, a member of Springsteen’s E-Street Band, who assured fans that he had no control over the pricing. However, this assurance did little to assuage fans’ frustrations, as many still find themselves unable to afford the hefty price tags attached to attending Springsteen’s tour.
