Data Shines Light On A Decade Of Ticket Price Increases

Over the past decade, live music has evolved from a simple night out to a defining life experience. Social media has amplified the fear of missing out (FOMO), turning concerts into must-attend events.

While sky-high ticket prices are nothing new, there’s a growing curiosity about just how much these prices have shifted over the years.

In response to this interest, event experts at A2Z Events have conducted an analysis that reveals the dramatic evolution of ticket prices for major artists over the past decade.

To gain clearer insight into how much ticket prices have risen, A2Z Events analyzed the average ticket prices for ten top artists who toured in both 2013 and 2023, adjusting for inflation to reveal the real impact.

The results? Prices have surged dramatically, showing just how much more fans are paying to see their favorite acts live compared to a decade ago.

The Pay Evermore Era

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift experienced the most dramatic increase. Tickets for her 2023 Eras Tour averaged $1,088.56, compared to $230.20 (adjusted for inflation) for her 2013 Red Tour.

This means fans could have attended almost five shows in 2013 for the price of one in 2023.

The artist’s touring profits jumped from $196.4 million (adjusted for inflation) in 2013 to over $1 billion in 2023, a staggering 429% increase.

Drake

Drake’s ticket prices rose by 152.82%, from $102.83 (adjusted for inflation) for his 2013 Would You Like a Tour? to $259.97 for his 2023 It’s All a Blur Tour.

His tour profits increased from $78.6 million (adjusted for inflation) to $215.9 million, a 174% rise.

Elton John

Elton John’s 2023 Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour saw a 43.26% increase in ticket prices, averaging $155.49, compared to $108.54 (adjusted for inflation) during his 2013 The Diving Board Tour.

The tour profit skyrocketed from $20.4 million (adjusted for inflation) to $939.1 million, an enormous 4,507% increase.

Beyonce

Beyoncé’s tour profits more than doubled, from $290.4 million (adjusted for inflation) during her 2013 The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour to $579.8 million in 2023 for her Renaissance World Tour, despite a more modest 34.52% increase in ticket prices.

Not All Artists Raised Prices

While most artists increased their ticket prices, some did not.

The Rolling Stones‘ prices actually dropped by 45.55%, from $311.23 (adjusted for inflation) during their 2013 50 & Counting Tour to $169.47 for their upcoming Sixty Tour.

Similarly, Lady Gaga and Foo Fighters saw only minor changes, with slight decreases when adjusted for inflation.

How This Affects Fans and the Music Business

The significant rise in ticket prices is reshaping the live music scene in several ways, impacting both fans and the broader music business. As ticket costs soar, concerts are becoming more exclusive, with only a select group of fans able to afford them.

To justify these higher prices, artists and promoters are increasingly experimenting with longer tours and unique experiences. These innovations are designed to add value, but they also highlight a growing divide between those who can afford these premium experiences and those who cannot.

Meanwhile, new ticket-selling systems and pricing models are causing frustration among fans, many of whom feel priced out of seeing their favorite artists live.

In response to the skyrocketing costs, some fans are going to extreme lengths, even traveling to different countries to see their favorite artists. For some, it’s actually cheaper to purchase a plane ticket and attend a concert abroad than to buy a ticket in their home country.

This trend toward higher profits might be partly justified by the increasingly elaborate stage productions and overall concert experiences that are now a staple of major tours. However, the enormous increase in both ticket prices and tour profits also raises concerns about whether artists and promoters are exploiting fans’ loyalty.

Jarred Abbott, an event expert at A2Z Events, says:

“Concert ticket prices and profits have skyrocketed in the last ten years, far outpacing inflation and average wage increases. The massive increase in profits, some over 1000%, suggests that some artists and promoters may be taking advantage of fans’ devotion rather than simply covering increased production costs.

“This trend raises serious concerns about the accessibility of live music and the long-term sustainability of the industry. There’s a real risk of alienating a significant portion of the fanbase who simply can’t afford these premium prices.

“The industry needs to explore more balanced approaches to pricing and profit-making. This could include tiered pricing structures, virtual attendance options, or reimagined venue designs to optimize costs without compromising the experience.

“Looking ahead, there’s potential for market segmentation. High-priced, exclusive events might cater to wealthy superfans, while more affordable, community-focused music events could serve a broader audience. The key challenge for the industry will be maintaining the allure of live music that fans cherish while ensuring it remains accessible to more than just the highest bidders.”

Data courtesy A2Z Events.

Ticket Prices in 2013 compared to 2023