🤦‍♂️ Strap in, rockers — because Live Nation’s head honcho Michael Rapino just dropped a bomb that’s rattled the pit harder than a dodgy sound system. Speaking at CNBC and Boardroom’s Game Plan conference, Rapino boldly claimed that concert tickets are actually “underpriced” compared to other forms of entertainment.

Yep. You read that right. Underpriced.

According to Rapino, there’s still room to charge more for tickets, even as the average fan is coughing up a kidney to afford a night out. This, at a time when energy bills, rent, and the cost of a cheeky post-gig kebab have already gone through the roof.

“Underpriced” Compared to What, Exactly?

Rapino didn’t hold back, comparing gigs to other entertainment options and saying the music industry could still squeeze more from fans. But here’s the thing — when was the last time you forked out:

  • £9.50 for a pint at the bar 🍺
  • £100+ for a single arena ticket 🎟️
  • £300+ for a stadium floor spot ⚡
  • And don’t forget the VIP packages — which sometimes get you little more than a tote bag and a lukewarm handshake

If that’s “underpriced,” then I’m Ozzy Osbourne’s bat 🦇.

Fans Already Fuming 😡

The timing couldn’t be worse. Fans have been raging for years about:

  • Dynamic pricing that bumps up costs depending on “demand” (translation: when everyone actually wants to go).
  • Platinum tickets that mysteriously cost three times as much as regular ones.
  • Resale chaos, with scalpers charging eye-watering amounts while fans are left skint.

It’s not like fans have forgotten the ticketing disasters: Pearl Jam vs Ticketmaster in the ’90s, the Bruce Springsteen ticket fiasco, or the Taylor Swift Eras Tour meltdown that basically broke the internet.

Out of Touch Much?

Here in the UK, the average fan has to budget hard just to hit one or two big shows a year. And that’s before you factor in travel, food, drinks, and merch (seriously, £45 for a T-shirt?!). For Rapino to say tickets are too cheap feels like he’s never queued outside an O2 Priority sale while watching his bank balance cry.

The Riff Report Verdict 🎸

Fans aren’t buying it (literally). The idea that ticket prices should rise even higher is going down about as well as Nickelback at a Slayer gig.

The truth is, live music is already a luxury for many — and every price hike pushes more fans out of the venues and onto the livestreams. If Rapino’s vision comes true, the only people left in the front row will be hedge fund managers and lottery winners.

So here’s a thought: instead of squeezing fans, how about fixing scalping, killing dodgy fees, and actually rewarding loyalty? Because right now, it’s looking like the industry bigwigs are living in a different world to the fans who bleed for live music.

C’mon Live Nation, stop treating us like walking ATMs. We’re here for the riffs, not the rinse. 🤘