The Cure For High Ticket Prices?: Robert Smith, frontman of The Cure, has taken a decisive stance against Ticketmaster’s controversial dynamic pricing system, labeling it a “scam” that could be eliminated if artists collectively opposed it. In a candid interview, Smith reveals his ongoing battle to keep concert tickets affordable for fans.
Artist Accountability Takes Center Stage: Smith challenges other musicians to take responsibility for ticket pricing, stating that any artist could reject dynamic pricing if they chose to. “Every artist could say that – ‘I don’t want that’ – and it would disappear. But you know artists hide behind management,” Smith explains with characteristic directness.
- The Cure maintains tickets as low as $25 to ensure accessibility (MusicRadar)
- Smith personally oversees pricing decisions to maintain control
Behind The Pricing Curtain: The veteran musician expresses shock at the industry’s profit margins and describes his exhaustive efforts to combat excessive fees. Smith’s hands-on approach involves questioning every additional charge, from facility fees to parking surcharges.
- Ticketmaster repeatedly attempted to add hidden fees
- Smith demanded transparency in fee structures (The Guardian)
Victory For Fan Advocacy: Smith’s determination led to a significant win for consumers when he successfully negotiated with Ticketmaster. His insistence on fair pricing demonstrates that artists can effectively challenge industry giants when they prioritize fan interests.
- The band rejected participation in Platinum ticket schemes
- Smith personally intervened to reduce service charges
Industry Impact And Future Implications: The Cure’s stance against dynamic pricing sets a precedent for other artists and highlights the need for industry reform. Smith’s approach shows that maintaining affordable tickets is possible when artists take direct action.
Fan-friendly pricing models are sustainable.
Artists can maintain control over ticket pricing.