Living in Florida the Queen shows are just too far away for me to travel and so I have not bothered to check ticket prices. I did see some advertised here for around $220 each. I have recently seen Sting/Paul Simon tix go for over $600 and Maccartney for $350. I guess these guys need the money? I understand its not cheap to put on a show and they are no longer doing it to promote an album but come on. A lot of tours are sponsored anyway. T-shirt and beer sales must be incredible not to mention $20 to park your car. I wonder how much input the performer has when it comes to ticket prices.
Most ticket prices on big arena tours are set by the agents and promoters. The artist in effect is working for a set wage.
Merchandise sales, while putting money in the artist pocket usually put a percentage, some tour a large percentage, in the venues and promoters bank.
The show has to be designed built and rehearsed. The equipment, lighting, staging and PA hired in, then transported. For an arena tour about 8 trailers, though sometimes less but some times more, plus the crew on tour busses, two or three at least. Plus in house crew at each venue 30 or 40 people. The amount increases when playing outdoor stadiums with 30 trucks at each gig plus a further 10transporting a second stage to the next venue.
Add to that hotels and flights for some bands.
Touring costs are huge, and like any business no one is in it for free.