Robert Smith Takes Stand Against Ticketmaster’s Dynamic Pricing

The Cure’s Robert Smith challenges Ticketmaster’s dynamic pricing system, calling it a “scam” and proving artists can successfully fight for fair ticket prices.

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Key Takeaways

  • Robert Smith proves artists can successfully challenge Ticketmaster’s pricing practices
  • Direct artist involvement in pricing decisions can protect fan interests
  • The music industry’s standard pricing models face increasing scrutiny from major artists

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.

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