The Cure frontman, Robert Smith, has fired critics against artists who blame ticketing sites for inflated ticket prices. Smith, a vocal critic of Ticketmaster’s “dynamic pricing” system, made the comments following an investigation into the company’s handling of Oasis’ UK and Ireland ticket sales.
Smith expressed his belief that artists should prioritize affordability for fans over maximizing profits. He criticized the use of dynamic pricing, which allows ticket prices to fluctuate based on demand, as a “scam”. He said, “We don’t need to make all this money. My fights with the label have all been about how we can price things lower. The only reason you’d charge more for a gig is if you were worried that it was the last time you would be able to sell a T-shirt“.
Last year, Smith successfully negotiated partial refunds for The Cure fans who were facing high ticket prices for their Lost World tour. He emphasized the importance of creating a positive experience for fans and building long-term relationships with them.
Oasis, another band that faced criticism over ticket prices, has announced that they will not be using dynamic pricing for their upcoming North American tour. This decision follows backlash from fans who were outraged by the high prices for their UK and Ireland reunion tour.
The ongoing debate over dynamic pricing highlights the need for transparency and fairness in the ticketing industry. As artists and fans continue to advocate for affordable ticket prices, it remains to be seen how the industry will adapt to meet their demands.
[H/T] The Independent