You've got to be kidding. I've been to plenty of Springsteen shows - mostly in the pit and lower level seats. Springsteen tickets have never, ever been over $95 for a ticket. And he doesn't have tiered pricing or offer special back stage bs packages like so many other bands. On top of that, he plays 2.5 -3.5 hour sets so you get plenty of bang for the buck, especially if you are a fan.
I feel less ripped off paying $90 a ticket and getting a full show with varied setlists, then paying $40/ticket and watching a barely 60 minute set list that never change, from some of the younger bands going through the motions.
I think the Eagles were actually the first band to charge over $100/ticket years ago, and charge higher fees for better seats. On top of that, plenty of bands charge fan club membership fees to get first crack at tickets (especially when it's pretty easy to figure out the presale codes without having to join). I think this is a ripoff, but if people are willing to pay then I guess bands have the right to offer this option to their fans.
So anyway, please explain to me how Springsteen is so blatant in and the pioneer of gauging the fans.
Neil Young's ticket prices are sickening. Considering all he's said about working folks - in his lyrics and in interviews - to be shutting out all but the rich and gouging the faithful is really inexcusable. It's really marred my once high opinion of the guy and his music. Neil, why do you keep Fuckin' Up?!
I've been saying the same about Bruce Springseed but Bruce's is MUCH more blatant and his started the entire fan ticket gouging way back. Bruce is a bigger douche by far.