As a backlash over the price of concert tickets intensifies, a number of major artists have introduced ways for some fans to attend their shows without breaking the bank.
The likes of the Rolling Stones, Coldplay, Olivia Rodrigo and Charli XCX have all introduced various programs under which certain tickets are available for as little as £20 ($26).
However, there’s a catch: the tickets are often unallocated when purchased, so fans won’t find out where they’re sat (or stood) until they arrive at the venue.
As the Wall Street Journal reports, the initiative was spearheaded by the Rolling Stones, who introduced a “Lucky Dip” program.
Jared Braverman, senior vice president of global touring at Live Nation, told the publication that the Stones inspired Coldplay to follow suit and introduce their own “Infinity Tickets” priced at £20.
Braverman said Coldplay acted to “make their show more accessible and more affordable,” and that the band’s actions in turn led Olivia Rodrigo to introduce a similar scheme known as “Silver Star” tickets.
The policy only applies to a limited number of tickets available for each show, with Braverman admitting that: “It’s not a ton in most cases, but it’s enough to make the program meaningful.”
The drive to reduce the price of some tickets has reportedly come from artists themselves, even if it means a reduction in overall revenue.
