How exorbitant concert ticket prices became so normal
Vox
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Exorbitant concert ticket prices have become a common reality, with fans reporting tickets for artists like Harry Styles and BTS exceeding $1,000—even when purchased directly from sellers, not just resale platforms. This surge in costs has transformed attending concerts into a luxury rather than an accessible hobby. While the pandemic played a role by increasing production and operational expenses, the primary driver of these inflated prices is the secondary ticket market, where resellers buy cheap tickets and sell them for exorbitant profits. However, even base ticket prices have risen to match these resale figures, leaving fans questioning whether there’s a limit to what they’re willing to pay for live performances.
The pandemic exacerbated existing issues by forcing venues to shut down, leading to increased costs for staff, supplies, and travel for touring artists. These expenses are now being passed on to consumers through higher ticket prices. Additionally, artists and promoters have realized that fans are willing to pay top dollar, especially for premium seats at high-profile shows. This has created a cycle where base prices are set to compete with resale values, ensuring that even the initial cost reflects what resellers might charge.
Efforts to address this issue are gaining traction in some states, with proposed regulations like resale caps—such as capping resell prices at 10% above face value. These measures aim to reduce the profitability of ticket reselling, which has become a lucrative business. However, only Maine has passed such legislation so far, and industry lobbying remains a significant barrier to broader adoption. If more states follow suit, it could signal a
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Originally published on Vox on 2/24/2026