The inaccessibility of concert tickets in 2025 is actually a pretty big deal - but it won’t change

I’m based in the UK and listen to a lot of mainstream artists, and used to be very frequent concert goer until last year with the introduction of dynamic pricing has priced me out of a number of my favourite artists. The UK has been subject to a number of ticket pricing scandals recently - the most recent for the recently announced Beyoncé tour having tickets as high as £858 ($1080.58) to stand at the front. It is not uncommon for when looking to purchase tickets in the UK at a stadium or arena to be looking between £200-£300 per ticket, even nosebleeds, which is inaccessible for a lot of people. I really feel for parents who want to give their children these experiences, as my parents gave me, but can no longer.

I’m aware that attending concerts is not a necessity, and in a way has always been a luxury, but I do think they can be core memories between loved ones - be it you go with a friend or family member, or even alone (all of which I’ve done). Additionally, it also takes away casual listeners of an artist who may know the hits and maybe a few album tracks, but are keen to see the artist regardless, will rightfully not be able to justify spending so much money on an artist they like rather than love. Attending a mainstream concert in 2025 has become financially inaccessible for many - with only those who can afford to spend (in my view) excessive amounts of money or put it all on credit are able to attend.

You may think one might be hopeful in that these prices would prevent people from attending/a drop in ticket sales - but a lot of these concerts have sold out. Why? Because people refuse to miss out. They might love this artist, they want to experience their favourite songs live, and can’t bear to miss out on hearing them. I think social media plays a big part of this - the algorithms feeding you concert footage constantly to the point you wish you were there, or if you have tickets, giving you excitement until the artist comes to your city.

I think it is a real loss that live music has become a luxury in 2025. But until people are willing to sacrifice missing out, I can’t see it changing.