The Dilemma of Live Music Performers and Ticket Resellers

Live music events are a celebration of creativity, passion, and community. Yet, these vibrant experiences often face a significant challenge: the rise of ticket resellers who turn concert tickets, which should be a means of entry into a joyous event, into a profitable commodity. This article explores the reasons why performers allow resellers to profit off their shows, the implications of this situation, and whether performers should be taking a stronger stance against the resellers.

The Perspective of Performers

It is almost a universal belief among live music performers that ticket resellers are a hindrance rather than a helpful partner. Performers invest countless hours into the creation and execution of their performances, with the hope that their hard work and talent will be appreciated by their fans. The idea of a third-party profiting off tickets to their shows is frustrating and sometimes infuriating. However, many performers and their management teams find themselves compelled to allow ticket resellers to operate.

Performers often have limited control over ticket distribution and management. Ticket resellers like Ticketmaster and other platforms play a crucial role in reaching a broad audience, ensuring the safety of the event, and handling the logistical complexities of ticketing. While performers may not like ticket resellers, they often lack the power to influence or change their practices. This situation is a balancing act between maintaining access for fans and ensuring the safety and viability of the event.

The Scale of the Problem

During large live events, the demand for tickets often overwhelms the supply, creating ideal conditions for ticket resellers. Scalpers operate in the gray and black markets, often charging hundreds or even thousands of dollars for tickets that were initially priced at a fraction of this amount. The public, including dedicated fans, is often left frustrated and disenfranchised, feeling that they have been taken advantage of by ticket resellers.

Unfortunately, the presence of ticket resellers is a persistent challenge that performers and organizers must contend with. For instance, during major concerts, scalpers are known to infiltrate the system, with insiders and even organizers sometimes participating in the reselling process. This situation denies performers the opportunity to recapture the revenue generated from ticket sales, which could be reinvested in the production and creativity of their performances.

Proposed Solutions and the Role of Performers

Given the current landscape, it is clear that performers and organizers need to find ways to address the issue of ticket reselling. One potential solution is thorough regulation and oversight of ticketing platforms. By implementing stricter controls and penalties for scalpers, these platforms could help to maintain fair and transparent ticketing practices.

Another significant step is for performers to actively take a stance against ticket resellers. This could involve engaging more directly with ticketing platforms, seeking partnerships that benefit both the artist and the fan. Performers could also leverage their social media platforms to raise awareness and gather support against unfair ticketing practices. A collective movement could put pressure on ticket resellers to change their behavior and ensure that tickets are more accessible to everyone.

Finally, performers could consider alternative distribution models, such as selling exclusive tickets directly to fans through their official channels or via official fan clubs. This approach would ensure that fans have the opportunity to secure tickets at a fair price while also allowing performers to maintain greater control over the ticketing process.

Conclusion

The issue of ticket reselling continues to be a contentious topic in the live music industry. While performers may not fully appreciate the role that resellers play, the challenges posed by scalpers are real and impactful. By understanding the reasons behind this phenomenon and exploring potential solutions, performers and organizers can work towards creating a more fair and equitable ticketing system that benefits all parties involved. The fight for fair ticketing is not just a matter of principle, but a necessary step towards preserving the authenticity and joy of live music experiences.