Ben Archer, a devoted British fan of Beyoncé, has followed her musical journey since her 2014 Mrs Carter World Tour. He has attended every concert since then, cherishing each performance. However, as he eagerly anticipates Beyoncé's upcoming tour, he faces a new challenge: significantly higher ticket prices. This dilemma is not unique to Archer but shared by fans around the globe as they brace for the general sale of tickets starting at 12:00 GMT on Friday.
The rising cost of attending concerts is not limited to ticket prices alone. The expenses associated with fuel, accommodation, and work visas for Beyoncé's tour have skyrocketed. Pollstar reports that the average ticket for her tour costs £139, a steep increase compared to past figures. In contrast, tickets for Coldplay's upcoming performance at Wembley Stadium start at just £20, highlighting the financial burden placed on fans wishing to see Beyoncé live.
"If tickets had always been this expensive I wouldn't have been able to see her as often as I have," – Ben Archer
Beyoncé's last concert in London offered tickets as low as £56.25. Now, prices range from £71 to a staggering £950, according to Ticketmaster. VIP packages can climb up to £2,400. This surge in cost has left fans like Archer questioning the affordability and accessibility of attending such events.
"I wonder if the increase in price leads to only the diehard fans (myself included!) attending at the expense of 'recruiting' potentially new/casual fans who may be willing to take a punt if it was cheaper." – Ben Archer
The escalation in ticket prices can be attributed to multiple factors. Ticketmaster employs a "dynamic pricing" scheme that adjusts prices based on demand, often resulting in fans paying hundreds more than the advertised price during pre-sales. Beyoncé's "Beyhive" fan club members frequently experience higher costs compared to those accessing pre-sales via sponsors like Mastercard and Verizon.
Tim Chambers, a ticketing expert, sheds light on the broader context of these price hikes.
"The cost of getting into a concert was increasing by 3% to 4% a year before the pandemic."
"The cost of touring has exploded over the past couple of years," – Tim Chambers
Chambers notes that artists are also trying to recuperate from the financial setbacks experienced during the pandemic.
"There's also a certain amount of recuperation from the lost years of Covid," – Chambers
"Artists were forced to take a couple of years out, because no-one could tour, but they still had living expenses and lifestyle expenses. So apart from the increase in costs, you're looking to capture what you can from the live experience." – Chambers
Beyoncé employs a massive team of 304 people on her tour, all of whom must be paid a living wage. This necessity further contributes to the rising costs that ultimately impact ticket prices.
"I mean this in the nicest way, but they want to do as little as possible and get as paid as much as possible." – Chambers
The financial strain on consumers is evident. As Chambers points out, many individuals struggle to accommodate these increased expenses in their budgets.
"Every time a major artist announces tickets at £200 or £300, the consumer doesn't necessarily have that additional amount in their wallet, so they look to cut back in where they can," – Chambers
This sentiment is echoed in other entertainment spheres as well.
"In sports… somehow it's a badge of honour that if you spend $7,000 (£5,600) for a Lakers ticket, it's OK" – Michael Rapino
As fans prepare for Friday's general sale, they are not only vying for Beyoncé tickets but also for other major acts including Ozzy Osbourne's final gig with Black Sabbath, Kendrick Lamar & SZA, Patti Smith, Beck, Morrissey, Mumford & Sons, Razorlight, and Smashing Pumpkins.
For Ben Archer and countless others, attending a Beyoncé concert is more than just an event; it is an experience worth every penny. Archer remains undeterred by the rising costs.
"She is the one artist I'm determined to see every time she tours." – Ben Archer