I've read this elsewhere as well, but this is the best website explanation I could find. This is what occurs in the States, though it probably extends to Europe, too. link
"Fans tend to blame concert promoters. But it's
the artists who have final say on a ticket's
price. Promoters enter bidding wars to secure
rights for each major tour, competing to promise a
minimum dollar amount the artist will earn for
each show. (These guarantees mean that in the
event of disappointing box office, promoters
shoulder the loss, not the artist.)"
A paragraph or two later..
"The artists realize that (high guarantees)
translate into very high ticket prices if they
take the money," Bongiovanni says. "If they're
concerned about the ticket price, they always have
the ability to say, 'I want my tickets to be no
more than X.' But at this point, most artists are
just taking the money."
Basically, the artist says how much it wants for a show. The promoter then finds an appropriate venue, does the math to see how much he has to charge to pay the artist his guaranteed money and to make a decent amount himself, and then sets the price. If Queen fails to sell out a venue, it's the promoter who might be out money. High ticket price - artist wants more money upfront; low ticket price - artist wants you to eat for the next month.
Now, as if you can't tell by now, selling tickets in Prague for 35-70 Euros, while selling exclusive tickets to hardcore fans for 55 pounds, is odd at best, fleecing at worst.
Thanks Zeni.
I don't mind paying top dollar for a ticket to see this show but I don't want to be poor for two years just to purchase a ticket. I don't think anyone will be disappointed with the show. We all know it won't be Freddie singing and I do enjoy the sound of Paul's voice, so I don't think I'll be unhappy. I mainly want to see Brian and Roger play though. I know this won't happen but....I'd also love to see John play. Wishful thinking.
deleted user 13.01.2005 13:14
Lisser wrote: Thanks Zeni.
I don't mind paying top dollar for a ticket to see this show but I don't want to be poor for two years just to purchase a ticket. I don't think anyone will be disappointed with the show. We all know it won't be Freddie singing and I do enjoy the sound of Paul's voice, so I don't think I'll be unhappy. I mainly want to see Brian and Roger play though. I know this won't happen but....I'd also love to see John play. Wishful thinking.
Are you willing to travel, Lisser?
If they would just expand their intinerary a bit, say up to North America, that would be nice.
Lisser wrote: Yep! I actually want to go across the pond to see them. I've always wanted to visit Europe and what better excuse to do it than for a Queen gig!!
You might as well see several gigs... you'll be there anyway! That's hopefully what my plan is.
How I just wish I had the time, and money. Well, money is not a problem, though I'm not shitting dollar bills. School and work, well, it is a bit of hindrance. If they would play here in N.A., no problem with that.