Discover the world of luxury music experiences with our list of the 10 most expensive concert tickets. Uncover where opulence meets melody!
Seeing your favorite musician or band perform live in concert is an incredible experience for any music fan.
In recent years, the costs of concert tickets have skyrocketed, with some reaching astronomical prices.
In this blog post, we will count down the 10 most expensive concert tickets in the world, looking at the eye-watering amounts some fans have paid to see icons like The Justin Bieber, Elton John, and more.
With ticket prices continuing to climb ever higher, these concerts represent the pinnacle of exclusivity that only the wealthiest music lovers can afford.
So let’s take a look at the 10 priciest concert experiences on the planet and what exactly made people willing to shell out small fortunes to attend.
Most Expensive Concert Tickets Ever Sold
1. Led Zeppelin – Ahmet Ertegun Tribute Concert
Led Zeppelin’s 2007 Ahmet Ertegun Tribute Concert at London’s O2 Arena tops the list with an average resale price of $2,955 per ticket.
The one-off reunion show featuring Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, and John Paul Jones was a hot commodity among fans, as it marked the band’s first full-length show since 1980.
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2. Elton John – Farewell Yellow Brick Road
Elton John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour comes in second, with an average ticket price of $2,757.
The legendary singer’s retirement tour has been running since 2018 and is set to wrap up in 2023 after over 300 shows worldwide. The high demand has kept resale prices sky-high.
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3. Maroon 5 – M5LV The Residency
Pop band Maroon 5’s 2022 Las Vegas residency M5LV saw tickets reselling for $2,504 on average.
The band played a series of shows at various Las Vegas venues over several months as part of their first-ever residency.
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4. Justin Bieber – Justice World Tour
Canadian pop star Justin Bieber’s 2022 Justice World Tour landed in fourth place, with an average resale ticket price of $2,162.
The massive global tour in support of his Justice album has been a hot ticket for Beliebers.
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5. The Weeknd – After Hours Til Dawn Tour
The Weeknd’s After Hours Til Dawn Tour had an average resale ticket price of $1,421.
The huge stadium tour from the “Blinding Lights” singer started in 2022 and runs into 2023.
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6. Lady Gaga – Las Vegas Residency
Lady Gaga has been doing a residency in Las Vegas since 2017 called Enigma, with average resale tickets going for $1,295 each.
Gaga is slated to wrap up the residency in 2023 after an impressive run.
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7. The Rolling Stones – 50 & Counting Tour
Legendary rockers The Rolling Stones landed in seventh place for their 50 & Counting tour in 2013, which saw an average resale price of $1,266 per ticket.
The tour celebrated the band’s 50th anniversary.
8. One Direction – Take Me Home Tour
One Direction’s 2013 Take Me Home Tour had an average resale ticket price of $1,185.
The boy band was at the peak of their popularity at the time, leading to huge demand.
9. John Mayer – Sob Rock Tour 2022
Singer-songwriter John Mayer’s Sob Rock Tour in 2022 came in ninth place with an average resale ticket price of $1,064.
Mayer’s first tour since 2019 was a hot item among fans.
10. Beyonce And Jay-Z’s VIP On The Run II Tour
Finally, Beyonce and Jay-Z’s On The Run II Tour in 2018 secured the tenth spot on the list, with an average resale price of $991 per ticket.
The power couple’s co-headlining stadium tour created major buzz.
Why concert tickets are so expensive?
Concert tickets can be expensive for several reasons:
High production costs: Organizing a concert involves various expenses, such as renting the venue, hiring the performers and their crews, setting up the stage, lighting, sound equipment, and other technical requirements. These production costs can be substantial and are often passed on to the ticket buyers.
Artist fees: Well-known and in-demand artists command high fees for their performances. Promoters and organizers need to cover these fees, and they often result in higher ticket prices.
Demand and popularity: If an artist or band is highly popular and has a large fan base, the demand for their concert tickets will be high. In such cases, ticket prices may be increased to take advantage of this demand and to maximize revenue.
Limited capacity: Concert venues have a limited seating capacity, which means there are only a fixed number of tickets available for sale. As a result, the ticket prices might go up due to the demand surpassing the supply.
Scalping and secondary markets: Ticket scalpers and the existence of secondary markets can contribute to higher prices. Scalpers purchase tickets at face value and then resell them at inflated prices, taking advantage of the scarcity and high demand for tickets.
Additional fees and charges: On top of the base ticket price, additional fees such as service charges, facility fees, and taxes are often added by ticketing companies or venues, further increasing the overall cost for the consumer.
Enhancing the concert experience: Some concerts offer premium experiences, such as VIP packages, meet-and-greets, or exclusive merchandise, which come at a higher price point than regular tickets. These offerings are targeted at fans willing to pay extra for an enhanced experience.
Covering losses from other events: In some cases, concert promoters might have experienced losses from other events or factors, and they might try to compensate for those losses by increasing ticket prices for certain concerts.
It’s important to note that while concert tickets can be expensive, the revenue generated from ticket sales is often crucial for the artists, promoters, and organizers to cover their expenses, make a profit, and continue producing live events. Additionally, not all concerts are exorbitantly priced, and there are also many affordable and smaller-scale events that cater to different budgets.
How concert tickets work?
Concert tickets are a form of entry pass that allows you to attend a specific concert or live event. Here’s how concert tickets typically work:
Availability: Concert tickets are usually made available for purchase through various channels, such as official event websites, ticketing companies, box offices, and authorized ticket sellers. Tickets are released for sale at a specific date and time, often announced in advance.
Ticket Types: Depending on the event, there may be different types of tickets available. Common ticket types include general admission (standing room only), reserved seating (assigned seats), VIP packages (offering additional perks or experiences), and sometimes early access or special packages for fan clubs.
Purchase: To buy concert tickets, you need to visit the authorized ticket seller’s website or box office and select the event you wish to attend. You may need to create an account or provide your contact information during the purchase process.
Payment: Concert tickets can be purchased using various payment methods, including credit/debit cards, PayPal, or other digital payment options accepted by the ticketing company.
Ticket Delivery: After successful payment, you will receive a confirmation of your purchase, often via email. Depending on the ticketing company and delivery method selected, you may receive electronic tickets (e-tickets) that you can print at home or display on your mobile device, or physical tickets that are mailed to your address.
Entry to the Concert: On the day of the concert, you’ll need to bring your ticket with you to gain entry to the venue. For e-tickets, you’ll need to present the digital ticket on your phone or a printed copy, and for physical tickets, you’ll need to present the ticket at the entrance.
Ticket Scanning: At the venue, your ticket will be scanned by the event staff or using automated ticket scanners to verify its authenticity and grant you entry.
Seating or General Admission: Depending on the type of ticket you purchased, you’ll either have an assigned seat (if it’s a reserved seating ticket) or access to a designated area (if it’s a general admission ticket).
Enjoy the Concert: Once inside the venue, you can enjoy the live performance and the experience of being part of the audience.
Are concert tickets refundable?
Whether concert tickets are refundable or not depends on the specific policies set by the concert organizer, ticketing company, or the venue.
Generally, concert tickets are non-refundable, especially for standard tickets purchased at face value.
This is because concert organizers have limited seating capacity and need to ensure that they can sell enough tickets to cover their costs and make a profit.
However, some events may offer refund options under certain circumstances, such as:
Event cancellation: If the concert is canceled for any reason, ticket holders are typically entitled to a full refund.
Event rescheduling: If the concert date is changed or rescheduled to a date that is not suitable for the ticket holder, they might be eligible for a refund.
Significant lineup changes: In some cases, if a major artist or headliner is removed from the lineup and the ticket holder no longer wishes to attend the event, they may be eligible for a refund.
Venue policy: Some venues or ticketing companies may have their own refund policies, providing refunds under specific conditions.
It’s essential to carefully read the terms and conditions of ticket purchase before buying concert tickets to understand the refund policies and any potential exceptions.
If you are uncertain about the refund policy or have specific questions regarding ticket refunds, it’s best to contact the ticketing company or the event organizer directly to inquire about their specific refund policies and procedures.
Are concert tickets covered by PayPal?
PayPal offers some protections for concert ticket purchases, but it’s essential to understand the specific terms and conditions for each transaction.
Here’s how PayPal typically handles concert ticket purchases:
PayPal Purchase Protection: PayPal offers a Purchase Protection program that can cover eligible purchases, including concert tickets. Under this program, if you pay for your concert tickets with PayPal and they do not arrive, or they are significantly different from what was described by the seller, you may be eligible to open a dispute and request a refund.
Time Limits: It’s important to be aware that PayPal’s Purchase Protection has specific time limits for opening a dispute. Typically, you have 180 days from the date of purchase to open a dispute for items not received or not as described.
Verified PayPal Seller: To be eligible for Purchase Protection, ensure that you are purchasing tickets from a verified PayPal seller with a good reputation. Be cautious when dealing with sellers who ask you to make payments outside of PayPal, as those transactions may not be protected.
Other Conditions: The availability of Purchase Protection may vary depending on your country of residence, and there may be additional terms and conditions that apply. Always review PayPal’s policies and guidelines to understand the scope of protection offered for your specific purchase.
Please note that policies and features may change over time, so I recommend visiting PayPal’s official website or contacting their customer support directly for the most up-to-date information regarding their protections and coverage for concert ticket purchases.
Can concert tickets be resold?
Yes, concert tickets can be resold, but the legality and terms of resale may vary depending on the laws and regulations of the country or region in which the concert takes place.
Ticket resale refers to the practice of selling tickets that were originally purchased by someone else.
There are generally two types of ticket resale:
Authorized Resale: Some events and ticketing companies have their own official ticket resale platforms or partnerships that allow ticket holders to resell their tickets at face value or at a price determined by the organizers. These authorized resale platforms often have mechanisms in place to prevent price gouging and ensure a fair exchange.
Secondary Market Resale: The secondary market refers to ticket resale on third-party platforms that are not directly affiliated with the event organizers or ticketing companies. These platforms, often known as ticket resale marketplaces or scalping websites, allow individuals to resell tickets at prices determined by supply and demand. Prices on the secondary market can sometimes be significantly higher than the original face value, especially for popular or sold-out events.
While ticket resale can provide an opportunity for buyers to find tickets to sold-out events and sellers to recover their costs or make a profit, it can also lead to issues like price inflation, fraud, and counterfeit tickets. Many event organizers and venues have specific policies regarding ticket resale, and some may even impose restrictions to discourage excessive price markups or unauthorized resale.
If you plan to resell concert tickets, it’s essential to check the terms and conditions set by the event organizers, the ticketing company, or the venue to ensure that you comply with their policies and local laws. Additionally, if you’re purchasing tickets from the secondary market, be cautious and use reputable ticket resale platforms to reduce the risk of scams or fraudulent transactions.
What concert ticket sites are legit?
There are several reputable and well-known concert ticket sites that are considered legitimate and trustworthy.
Please note that the landscape of ticketing platforms can change over time, and new sites may emerge while others may undergo changes.
Always exercise caution and do your research before making any ticket purchases. Here are some popular and reputable concert ticket sites:
Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com): One of the largest and most well-known ticketing companies, offering tickets for a wide range of concerts and events.
Live Nation (www.livenation.com): Another major player in the ticketing industry, closely associated with concert promotion and event management.
StubHub (www.stubhub.com): A popular resale marketplace for tickets, allowing users to buy and sell tickets for concerts and other events.
SeatGeek (www.seatgeek.com): A ticket search engine that aggregates tickets from various sources, providing a user-friendly interface to find and purchase tickets.
Eventbrite (www.eventbrite.com): While primarily known for handling a variety of events, Eventbrite also offers tickets for concerts and live music performances.
AXS (www.axs.com): A ticketing platform used by various venues and promoters to sell tickets for concerts and other events.
TicketFly (www.ticketfly.com): A ticketing platform that caters to music events, including concerts, festivals, and club shows.
Bandsintown (www.bandsintown.com): A platform that not only helps users discover concerts and events but also offers ticket sales for selected events.
Always make sure to verify the authenticity of the website’s URL and look for secure payment options when making a purchase. Be cautious of potential scams or fraudulent websites, especially when dealing with lesser-known or unfamiliar ticket sellers.
It’s a good practice to read reviews and check for the site’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating or customer feedback to get an idea of their reputation and customer satisfaction.
Additionally, consider purchasing tickets directly from the official event website or from the venue’s box office if possible, as this can provide added security and ensure you are buying legitimate tickets.
Which concert sold the most tickets?
The concert that holds the record for the most tickets sold is a free concert by Rod Stewart at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on New Year’s Eve in 1994. This concert reportedly drew an estimated 3.5 million people. However, it’s important to note that this was a free concert.
In terms of ticketed concerts, Vasco Rossi’s 2017 concert at Enzo Ferrari Park in Modena, Italy, holds the record. The Italian singer’s performance sold around 220,000 tickets, setting a record for the largest ticketed concert in history.
Final Thoughts on the Most Expensive Concert Ticket
The world of live music performances is a fascinating realm where the value of an experience can reach astronomical heights.
These high prices are not just a reflection of the artists’ popularity, but also a testament to the unique, irreplaceable experience of live music.
The thrill of being in the same space as these music legends, the energy of the crowd, and the memories created are considered priceless by many.
However, it’s important to remember that while these high prices highlight the upper echelons of concert-going, they are not representative of all live music experiences.
There are countless affordable concerts and music festivals that offer memorable experiences and the chance to support favorite artists.
In the end, whether a concert ticket is worth its price is subjective and depends on the individual’s personal valuation of the experience.
As the live music industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these trends in ticket pricing progress.