Bruce Springsteen is known for being the voice of the voiceless and a champion of everyday working-class Americans. The only problem is that most working folks can’t afford his exorbitant ticket prices.
‘Springsteen’s politics, his attention to the working class…are what make ticket prices for his 2023 tour such a “crisis of faith” for his fans.’ Yup!
High ticket prices cast doubt on Springsteen’s values and bond with fans. https://t.co/c2CyWoakoC— Carrie Fehr (@CarrieFehr) August 10, 2022
Bruce Springsteen Alienating Fans With His Prices
Bruce Springsteen is known for long and emotional concerts that go on for hours. At 72, The Boss still has it, but some fans worry that he is becoming increasingly out of touch with his roots as his concert prices spike.
“The ensuing dust-up has laid bare the growing divisions between many artists and their audiences, between the 1 percenters who can afford tickets and the die-hard, less fortunate fans, who increasingly can’t.” — @allisonstewart6 https://t.co/CdzAl9LhwP
— Backstreets Magazine (@backstreetsmag) August 3, 2022
One fan shared that she would have to spend over $4,000.
Sorry Mr Springsteen, I’m a big big big big fan, but can’t do this! (2 tickets) #springsteentickets #wontbegoingtoNewark pic.twitter.com/d03fMgs9CS
— Jereleen Brydon (@Jereleenb) July 29, 2022
Some fans are responding that the $2000 tickets are for the VIP front row and that there are still tickets available for the measly sum of $150.
I never worry about what anyone else paid for a concert ticket. The only ticket price I have to worry about is my own. Why would I get upset about a $4000 ticket? It does not affect me at all. I will still go for under $150. #springsteentickets
— Phisherman (@aronkozin) August 3, 2022
That’s still 10 hours’ worth of work for someone making $15/hr. The reality is that Bruce lost touch with the working man a long time ago. He is a multi-millionaire who lives in exclusive mansions and sprawling estates.
Super rare look inside @springsteen studio and farm from @GayleKing interview ??? pic.twitter.com/M7HbbwxTyC
— Valmy Auto Court (@ValmyAuto) October 25, 2019
And according to one tweeter, he’s a tax cheat.
We can bully Taylor Swift for being a climate terrorist as long as we also bully Bruce Springsteen for having his Rumson, NJ mansion declared farmland so he wouldn’t have to pay as much in taxes
— jim (@jamesmurtagh) July 30, 2022
its going to be so rewarding to watch bruce springsteen, a multi-multi millionaire, sing songs about being a working class teen to the other multi-multi millionaires who could afford his GA tickets
— mike! (@Andrewshevits) July 29, 2022
It isn’t just The Boss
Everyone is charging an arm and a leg for tickets.
Want Springsteen tickets? It could cost you $5K. Adele’s residency? $670 for nosebleeds. “Side view” seats for Gaga’s stadium run? $445.
Eye-popping ticket prices have generated furious fan reaction. Experts weigh in on potential solutions.https://t.co/TtlvKEBfNH
— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) August 4, 2022
On the one hand, I get it. These concerts are elaborate shows with lights and other equipment that requires dozens of people to work them. But also, you’re risking alienating diehard fans and making concerts an elite activity reserved for the very few.
I paid about $150 for nosebleed seats to the Red Hot Chili Peppers a few weeks back. It was a great show, but the entire outing cost me around $300, factoring in parking, food, liquor, etc.
My advice? Search out bands that play at smaller venues. There are a lot of up-and-coming artists who don’t charge gigantic amounts of money for shows.
Are you a fan of the Boss? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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