Why is Neil Young stopping ‘platinum’ tickets for future tours? Singer says he is inspired by The Cure's Robert Smith

In a major step towards resolving ticket price issues, Neil Young has declared that he will stop selling 'Platinum' tickets for his upcoming tours. This follows a similar action by The Cure's lead singer, Robert Smith, who has been vocal about reducing the cost of concert tickets for fans.

Both artists are pointing out the problems in the existing ticketing system and pushing for change.

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'Platinum' tickets and how they affect concert attendees

'Platinum' tickets are a pricing tactic utilized by large ticket sellers, including Ticketmaster, where particular seats are offered for premium prices that change depending on market forces. Although the tactic is meant to obtain revenue that would otherwise be lost to secondary sellers or scalpers, it tends to drive prices extremely high, rendering many fans unable to purchase tickets.

This system has been faulted for putting profit above accessibility, resulting in a less accessible concert experience.

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Robert Smith's crusade against ticket fees

In 2023, Robert Smith of The Cure stood up against excessive ticket fees for their US tour. Even as the band ensured low ticket prices, fans were met with extra charges that, in some cases, exceeded the standard price of the ticket.

Expressing his discontent, Smith stated he was "sickened" by the excessive fees and actively sought explanations from Ticketmaster. His advocacy led to Ticketmaster agreeing to provide partial refunds to fans and reduce fees for future sales, demonstrating the potential for artists to influence ticketing practices.

Neil Young's perspective on current touring challenges

Inspired by Smith's actions, Neil Young reflected on his touring practices. He was concerned about the state of concert touring as it is today, citing that excessive ticket prices and extra fees have made touring a less pleasant experience for artists and fans alike.

Neil Young mentioned that he was receiving complaints about ticket prices for his performances being too high, even when the extra charges were not going to him or the cause of the event. This awareness made him re-evaluate the application of 'Platinum' tickets to his tours.

Steps towards more equitable ticketing practices

By opting to drop 'Platinum' ticketing options, Neil Young seeks to open his concerts to more people. Neil Young recognizes the threat of scalpers and the secondary ticket market but thinks that eliminating dynamically priced tickets is fair.

Neil Young's move highlights an emerging trend among artists to put fans first over maximizing returns, defying conventions and calling for greater transparency in ticketing.

Neil Young's choice not to continue selling 'Platinum' tickets demonstrates a wider fear across the music industry of the affordability and equity of tickets. Spurred by Robert Smith's leadership in this regard, refusing to charge prohibitive fees, Neil Young is taking action to protect his shows for real fans.

With increasing recognition by more musicians of these challenges, there are prospects for changes in more reasonable ticketing regimes to the benefit of both entertainers and audience members.

Edited by Sangeeta Mathew

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