The concert system is, as far as I’m concerned, totally broken and stupid. Why we as concert goers have let it get this out of hand I do not know, but there are very clear issues we should address at our next concert-goers-of-the-USA meeting:
- Why is Ticketmaster the only place to get tickets for events? Especially important when considering point number two.
- Why do we allow ticket sellers to add nearly 80% of the ticket price in additional fees? Ticketmaster charges a “convenience” fee on all tickets that is basically a “buying from Ticketmaster” fee, but rarely is there another option so you HAVE to pay that fee. They even charge a “delivery” fee when you order an e-ticket!
- It’s rare for venue bars to accept credit cards. I’m sorry, what year is this?
- “Doors at” and “Show at” are complete bullshit. If the overpriced ticket says doors at 7, show at 8, we all know that means the show won’t start until at least 9. Most of the time that’s the opener at 9 so you’re looking at about 10PM for the show, sometimes later. This becomes increasingly frustrating when you take into account point five.
- “Standing room only” is one of the worst phrases ever created by man. Do we stand to watch television? To watch movies in a theatre? To watch a play? To take in ANY other form of entertainment? People always say this is because of dancing, but I’ve been to many, many concerts and very rarely do I see people dancing. And those who do can kiss my ass anyway, I came to hear the music not see some stupid drunken 22 year-old dance and sing along. Sitting allows you to enjoy the music so much more.
- Hey, you, the person I was just talking about in point five—STOP SINGING SO LOUDLY. I get that you enjoy the music and you know every song by heart, but I came here to hear the band, not you. If your singing was enjoyable, you’d be having a concert rather standing in flip-flops drinking cheap wine and belting out slightly-off lyrics while ruining the experience for everyone around you.
The system is broken. I don’t know if it’s possible to fix it, but I sure wish we’d try. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go put on my most comfortable and thick-soled shoes, load my wallet up with cash, and get to the Stars show two hours before they go on.
