Muse ticket prices soar: from €25 in 1996 to €600 today
Muse concerts in 2024 cost between 150 and 600 euros. In 1996, tickets were €25. We look at ticket price inflation and the debate over whether the price is…
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
Muse ticket prices soar: from €25 in 1996 to €600 today
The British band Muse has sparked controversy with the prices of its latest tour, which start at 150 euros for the cheapest standing tickets and reach 600 euros in the best areas. Against a backdrop of widespread inflation, the cost of seeing Matt Bellamy's band is raising alarms about the accessibility of live music.
The contrast with the past: €25 in 1996 and 4,000 pesetas for Metallica and Soundgarden
For perspective, a Muse concert in 1996 cost 25 euros (roughly 4,160 pesetas at the time). Even a double bill with Metallica and Soundgarden could be had for 4,000 pesetas (24 euros). "This was what concerts were like, kids," one analysis quips, noting that the same amount that today buys a standing ticket would then get you a top-tier festival experience.
Rip-off or market forces?
Opinions are completely divided. Some argue the band has the right to charge what the market will bear, while others call the prices "daylight robbery" and complain that for 200 euros you end up smelling your neighbour's armpit. Some point out that the band is getting on in years and that concerts have become a product for audiences with high purchasing power. On the other hand, the most devoted fans believe the experience is worth it and that there is no alternative: "The Bernabéu or nothing."
The painful figure: the opportunity cost
A quick calculation: with 600 euros you could buy around 200 bags of Ruffles Extra Spicy crisps, a reminder of just how far the price of musical entertainment has gone. Meanwhile, the band keeps raking it in, and loyal fans continue to fill venues. The question that remains is how high prices can go before the concert bubble bursts.
The British band Muse has sparked controversy with the prices of its latest tour, which start at 150 euros for the cheapest standing tickets and reach 600 euros in the best areas. Against a backdrop of widespread inflation, the cost of seeing Matt Bellamy's band is raising alarms about the accessibility of live music.
The contrast with the past: €25 in 1996 and 4,000 pesetas for Metallica and Soundgarden
For perspective, a Muse concert in 1996 cost 25 euros (roughly 4,160 pesetas at the time). Even a double bill with Metallica and Soundgarden could be had for 4,000 pesetas (24 euros). "This was what concerts were like, kids," one analysis quips, noting that the same amount that today buys a standing ticket would then get you a top-tier festival experience.
Rip-off or market forces?
Opinions are completely divided. Some argue the band has the right to charge what the market will bear, while others call the prices "daylight robbery" and complain that for 200 euros you end up smelling your neighbour's armpit. Some point out that the band is getting on in years and that concerts have become a product for audiences with high purchasing power. On the other hand, the most devoted fans believe the experience is worth it and that there is no alternative: "The Bernabéu or nothing."
The painful figure: the opportunity cost
A quick calculation: with 600 euros you could buy around 200 bags of Ruffles Extra Spicy crisps, a reminder of just how far the price of musical entertainment has gone. Meanwhile, the band keeps raking it in, and loyal fans continue to fill venues. The question that remains is how high prices can go before the concert bubble bursts.
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Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (29 replies).
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