+52 Concerts are a huge waste of money, amirite?

by Anonymous 4 days ago

Seeing a singer or band perform live is an entirely different experience than just listening to the file or CD. You're right that tickets have become ludicrously expensive though.

by Flaky-Operation 4 days ago

Honestly, most general admission tickets are $30-40 dollars, which is completely reasonable. It's all the fees that tacked on by these greedy companies that have monopolized the ticket purchasing process that make it outrageous. $30-40 dollar tickets end up costing $70-100 per person by the time you factor in fees + parking.

by Anonymous 4 days ago

I just hate how people act like the two choices are to spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars or to not see live music: Supporting local acts is the best way to do it. The feeling of live music but for like $5-$25

by vanceohara 4 days ago

Live music obviously exists on a spectrum. On one end of the spectrum is seeing a local dude playing music out of his garage for free; the other end is a huge festival like Coachella hundreds of thousands of people. I'm glad you enjoy the former, but for many people, their utility function for live music requires the latter. It's like saying "you don't need to watch the FIFA World Cup in person, you can just watch your local soccer team for $10 at the park! Same experience, right??" It's clearly not

by Several-Public 4 days ago

There's all that middle of the spectrum though. Lots of bands at small theaters. Back rooms of bars with up and coming bands. I ironically don't enjoy live music much. But I know there's lots of options out there.

by Anonymous 4 days ago

You gotta get lucky nowadays to get the singers that don't just mime to prerecorded, pitch-corrected tracks.

by Ok_Pomegranate_7509 4 days ago

This is true when the performance is actually live. Most solo pop artists have been doing some degree of lip syncing for years, with many of them going completely to 100% lip syncing, making their concert experience literally just listening to the recorded version along with thousands of other people. Even many traditional bands are using some amount of backing tracks. But yes, bands that actually perform live ensure a different experience than just listening to a file or CD. And in my opinion, the smaller the venue is the better this experience is.

by MaleficentChart7511 4 days ago

Not only that, a lot of times, if you're in a bigger venue, you just hear to the crowd singing and can't hear the artist at all

by Anonymous 4 days ago

100% agree! Too loud, too crowded, concerts start too late, drinks are expensive, transport to and from a nightmare. No thanks

by treutelpalma 4 days ago

I totally agree too. Why pay hundreds for a worse version of the song?

by Agreeable-Friend8364 4 days ago

Which is funny to me because I've seen pictures of the Canyon and that's more than enough for me. It's a big, pretty hole. I'm not saying nobody should see it, and I have no doubt that the pictures don't do it justice. But for me? I'm good.

by Anonymous 4 days ago

FWIW of almost all natural attractions the Grand Canyon blew me away more than anything else. It's insane.

by Dallaspurdy 4 days ago

What do you want to see?

by Anonymous 4 days ago

Except a live performance is typically worse audio quality with a bunch of people screaming. While going to the Grand Canyon you get a better sight and can explore.

by Unable_Ad_676 4 days ago

Sometimes the crowd adds to the experience... Something you can't get at home.

by One-Revenue 4 days ago

Not to mention that you'll mostly be listening more to the people around you singing like seagulls. I used to love concerts but now tickets are ridiculously overpriced and artists are avoiding coming to my city (Dallas). I'm not traveling to another city to see them.

by Confident_Tank 4 days ago

Wow this take is actually so sad but A+ on the unpopular opinion

by jeffdenesik 4 days ago

Imagine your opinion beinf so unpopular that it's just down right sad

by Anonymous 4 days ago

I'm just sad because I do enjoy concerts, but as soon as they are $200+++ the enjoyment is completely taken away

by Anonymous 4 days ago

Yeah 200+$ is valid to criticize, but 99% of concerts are less expensive though

by SaltExtent2700 4 days ago

I've been to hundreds of concerts in my life, and I have never once paid $200 for a ticket. I think the most I paid was like 150 for a 2 day long festival with multiple bands that I loved. I think it mostly has to do with the artists.

by Gloverfloyd 4 days ago

Also depends on where you live/currency. Just looking at upcoming concerts in my city, g-eazy has a show here soon and it's starting at $160 to be in the nosebleeds lol. A few days later smash mouth is here, $190 for general admission. Like god damn. Who the hell is spending this much money to see smash mouth or g-eazy.

by United_Syllabub_3925 4 days ago

Start listening to/finding smaller bands

by Cool-Mortgage 4 days ago

Well, you're generalizing quite a bit here. You can still see plenty of smaller name acts for reasonable prices at smaller local venues. What you're talking about is big name pop stars and legacy acts that charge a lot for arena and stadium shows.

by Nitzscheroscoe 4 days ago

I have gone to plenty of concerts for less than $40, within the last 5 years.

by Large-Macaron 4 days ago

What makes it sad? Different people enjoy different things.

by IndicationUnusual537 4 days ago

U must be fun at concerts

by Anonymous 3 days ago

Bro never went to one. He's a bedrotter

by AbaloneTemporary705 3 days ago

Shhh just let people enjoy things

by Anonymous 3 days ago

BUT let us enjoy things for cheap 😩

by Anonymous 3 days ago

lol they didn't all get lucky dude. That's bizarre

by Anonymous 3 days ago

I ve only been to relatively small concerts for 50€ a ticket. Everything above sucks ass

by Anonymous 3 days ago

I feel the same way, but I recognize that I just don't care about music the same way most others do. and I'm ok with that. I'll listen to music on occasion, sure, but if I lost my hearing tomorrow and could never listen to music again I'd be fine. my wife spends money on concerts because I realize she's much more normal than me, heh.

by Krystel46 3 days ago

Tickets too expensive but the experience can be amazing.

by Single_Trouble6089 3 days ago

You can also go to concerts for less than a $100 and have a great time discovering bands you never heard of.

by Anonymous 3 days ago

gigs are absolutely wonderful experiences, you're going for the music obviously but there's also that shared sense of belonging that comes with it. you're all there because you have a common interest in the artist and I think it's great

by Anonymous 3 days ago

Payed 40€ for DragonForce this week. Best decision ever. The vibe, the energy, the pits. Amazing experience

by riceelijah 3 days ago

Some people don't know what to do with their surplus money

by Anonymous 3 days ago

I spent two and a half hours crying my eyes out in a field in Manchester on Friday night after waiting 31 years to see Oasis. I could not disagree with you more.

by bethel76 3 days ago

If you really appreciate an artist it is satisfying to see them in person I think. And my understanding is that many of them make the bulk of their money from tours so that is more supportive than just buying a record. I have seen Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Bob Marley, Chuck Berry, Jeff Beck, Paul Simon who are all heroes and favorites of mine and while every concert was not the best experience due to many things, it was very much worthwhile to me.

by Anonymous 3 days ago

It might be a waste of money to you, but it obviously isn't to them. You probably spend money of stuff that others consider a waste of money too.

by Arodriguez 3 days ago

Yes, Led Zeppelin and the Beatles got "lucky". 🙄

by Anonymous 3 days ago

a life without art is bleak. people pay money because they crave emotional connection. it's human.

by Important_Yard4772 3 days ago

I feel this way sometimes. But it's also something fun to experience that isn't just work, eating, drinking, and the usual humdrum of life.

by Anonymous 3 days ago

I go to metal concerts and I rarely pay over 100 dollars for a 3 hr experience with super talented people

by Anonymous 3 days ago

Sounds like you're jealous that others may have disposable income and enjoy themselves. I've gone to Metallica 6 times in the last 10 months. Spent close to $500 for tickets each time plus airfare and hotel. Worth every penny every time. Also, what do you mean "got lucky"?

by TelevisionReady8157 3 days ago

Do you understand "unpopular opinion"?

by Successful-Writer200 3 days ago

Last time I saw Metallica, tickets were around $30. Prices have gotten crazy. Not just the show, but also concessions.

by Anonymous 3 days ago

You just sound bitter. Most concerts are not hundreds or thousands of dollars unless you're see one of the most popular artists. I've gone to so many concerts that are like $30 to get in

by Anonymous 3 days ago

comparing a live event to spotify is wild 😭 please touch grass, there are free concerts

by SleepAnnual9135 3 days ago

Plus the sound quality is never as good in a concert

by Dear_Possibility7928 3 days ago

Out of curiosity what do you do for fun

by Visible-Librarian 3 days ago

How do you feel about sporting events? Same thing could be said for that. Sit your ass at home or a sports bar and save the money. And for what it's worth, most artists are not charging hundreds per ticket unless it's VIP or some A-list singer. A concert isn't much more expensive than many other nights out activities.

by Anonymous 3 days ago

Nice unpopular opinion! However, one of the reasons do it is for the experience. You aren't going to get the same experience listening to the band on spotify whilst in traffic as you would in a 65,000 seater arena with the band playing live with a live crowd dancing & singing along

by Anonymous 3 days ago

I couldn't agree with you less other than the fact that yes concerts are incredibly expensive now. That said, it is a completely different experience to see a band or an artist live than it is to listen to a CD in the comfort of your home. You get to feel the energy coming from the crowd and the stage and it's absolutely a different animal altogether. I say this as a person who's been to hundreds of shows in his life until they got prohibitively expensive, and a man who has played dozens of shows in his life. The live experience is unbeatable.

by Specific-Can 3 days ago

I mean I saw Robert plant for free soooo

by New_Satisfaction9020 3 days ago

I guess you probably have the same opinion about going to any sporting event in person that you could just watch from your couch for free

by Anonymous 3 days ago

The problem is how expensive concerts have become, evil committed by the hands of Ticketmaster and Live Nation who consider live music a "luxury". Concerts themselves, with friends or with a date? The most joyful memories in my life ❤️

by Anonymous 3 days ago

Because its a super fun experience and worth it to them. A live experience is unique to that performance. Nobody forcing you to go but its clearly not a waste for other people

by Anonymous 3 days ago

I used to think this until I got into Phish. Seen them 10 times now. Try it out! I used to hate them, but they're a live band

by Anonymous 3 days ago

Only if your concerts consist of artists that cost too much money to see. I've paid $20 for concerts that were really fun and enjoyable.

by Anonymous 3 days ago

A good concert is like a religious experience. The high you can get is incredible. It's the combination of the effect of a huge mass of people singing and dancing in unison. The huge sound. The lights. The connection between the artist and audience.

by Anonymous 3 days ago

I feel like it's only worth it if it's like one of my favorite artisst or at least one I listen to enough. If not, I'll go to if someone else gives me a spare ticket or something

by Anonymous 3 days ago

Get into metal and pop punk. You'll never spend over $45😂

by Anonymous 3 days ago

I can agree that not many concerts are worth spending hundreds or thousands on. But the problem with this opinion is that 99% of concerts aren't nearly that expensive. I dunno if it's "unpopular" or just dumb.

by Apart-Requirement 3 days ago

U get 5 stars for unpopular opinion. On the other hand, I bet it's a lot more immersive than just listening on your phone. Plus you get to share the same feeling with other fans too.

by Craig88 3 days ago

If tickets were anything near 1k I wouldn't be going. Not every concert is a stadium tour. I go to stuff that costs $50CAD. Occasionally I'll go to Coldplay for $150-250 bucks. Live concerts hit your soul. If that's not for your fine. They are worth the price if you care. They are still too expensive though I'll agree. So are the beers and other stuff!

by Anonymous 3 days ago

Its to be there and experience something everyone else there is at the same time.

by quitzonmarcelin 3 days ago

Absolutely. The music is always too loud and distorted. The cost is too much and, there are too many people in a small area.

by Anonymous 3 days ago

I've seen hundreds of shows over the last few decades. Concerts are one of the few experiences where I truly live in the moment. I can't imagine life without them.

by No-Mail-5759 3 days ago

You're referring to large commercial performances. Saying concerts as a whole is dumb. Seeing cool bands in small venues is some of the most fun ways to spend my weekends.

by TurnoverEasy 3 days ago

Absolutely not. For $15 I have seen some of the most entertaining bands, and had a great time jumping around. And it sounds a hundred times better live

by Damonankunding 3 days ago

What about discount tickets?

by Elmira71 3 days ago

Finally jam bands are an answer lol

by Anonymous 3 days ago

You can go see metal shows for $20 at your local small venue. I have no idea how these shows make money typically there are a couple of hundred people there. You guys just need to get into less popular bands.

by Reasonable-Plum 3 days ago

They bloody well are now.

by Anonymous 3 days ago

While I happen to disagree to a point (I don't go to every concert just off the hype, if I do go TO ME it's worth the money); This is a greeeaaat example of an unpopular opinion because I'm 100% sure there is something that you pay for that I or someone would find equally as much as a waste of money...

by Puzzleheaded_Law 3 days ago

Because you get to see all the latest cellphones, their battery life and video quality. It's awesome.

by Anonymous 3 days ago

Not every successful artist just "got lucky"

by Geovanny48 3 days ago

I liked the look of the backstreet boys at the sphere on Friday night

by Anonymous 3 days ago

I agree and disagree. Cheap concerts can be amazing fun. But I could never bring myself to pay several hundred or thousand plus to go to a concert. Even someone who has a great live show.

by Anonymous 3 days ago

I was at Back Street Boys concert. I had a lot of fun... It was worth every penny I spent.

by Anonymous 3 days ago

Concerts are awesome when you're not spending your first and last months rent on getting tickets. Live shows need to be cheap or they're not worth it

by Anonymous 3 days ago

I agree, especially since most music will never sound as great in person. However some people do love the atmosphere and for them it's worth it for the experience.

by Anonymous 3 days ago

The point of a concert is to share a moment with the artist and all the other people attending

by Worldly_Resist_5712 3 days ago

This guy listens to music on phone speakers

by Anonymous 3 days ago

I actually agree with this to some extent. I've had more bad experiences than good experiences with concerts; too crowded, too damn noisy, rude belligerent people, everything overpriced, mediocre sound quality. But when they're good, and the conditions are perfect, it's life changing.

by OddPirate4274 3 days ago

So unpopular. 4 concerts this summer. Outdoor venue. Highest ticket was $60. 2 were $30 and 1 $50. Lawn chairs at a beautiful amphitheater. Best evenings ever.

by InterestingServe 3 days ago

I got to see my favorite band live for free in the summer of 2000 at Celebrate Brooklyn. I had to get in line by 10am but I got to stand right by the stage! There's lots of options out there

by Anonymous 3 days ago

Unless youre going to a all day festival or going to see some Mega popular star, tickets are usually a lot cheaper than $100

by Corine41 3 days ago

Plus most bands nowadays are so heavily produced they sound so different, and often terrible, live.

by Anonymous 3 days ago

Buy last minute tickets way cheaper

by Anonymous 3 days ago

Way too unpopular, good one 😂

by Anonymous 3 days ago

I love concerts. They're expensive tho. That's why I decided not to Drake a wireless. But now I'm regretting it soo much. This is the first time in life where I'm experiencing FOMO

by Anonymous 3 days ago

Well concert tickets didn't use the cost some million dollars a piece though.

by Everardo15 3 days ago

It depends what you listen to. Most music outside of pop doesn't cost hundreds of dollars to go see live.

by Anonymous 3 days ago

Concerts have become quite expensive, but you are paying to see talented artists perform their art. Not to listen to a recording…

by Awkward-Marsupial325 3 days ago

Yeah they are… now I remember one summer seeing B.O.B., BBU, Cymbals Eat Guitars, J.Cole, Lady Gaga, The xx, Grizzly bear, Cut copy, Phoenix, Green Day, company of thieves, Minus the bear, MGMT, the national, and Arcade Fire for $500 including food, drugs, travel costs, and ticket(s)

by jillianbode 3 days ago

I flew from Michigan to Colorado to see my favorite performer play at Red Rocks. It was worth every penny.

by Anonymous 3 days ago

It's not just listening to music but also enjoying a spectacle. The other day, I went to a My Chemical Romance concert and they put on an awesome show.

by Zulaufansley 3 days ago

Going on vacation is a huge waste of money. Go watch a Youtube docu about the vacation place instead

by Anonymous 3 days ago

Agree. Can't relate to wanting to do that enough to spend money. There are a lot of free ways to be entertained.

by Ok-Share 3 days ago

Just sneak in

by Anonymous 3 days ago

It's a waste if the singer is 70 years old and sounds like Donald Duck.

by Anonymous 3 days ago

To you lol. Every concert I've gone to has been worth every penny

by Anonymous 3 days ago

I actually 100% agree on this unpopular opinion. Price plays a huge role obviously, but something about just chilling listening to music favorite band/music out back just seems better than in concert. Give me a cigar and some headphones any day.

by stokesevie 3 days ago

The singer didn't get "lucky" and even if they did, so what? If you like a band you will pay to see them

by tabshire 3 days ago

Back in the 90s, the face value for tickets was $10-$20, even for the big names (Nirvana, Metallica, etc.), and the scalper prices were never more than $50. Totally affordable, even for teenagers. It seems now, only teenagers with rich and generous parents are able to go to the big concerts. It's a shame. I guess it's like the housing market; affordability is just long gone....

by Anonymous 3 days ago

If they wanna spend that much $$ then meh their choice! Hope they enjoy it! 🥂 celebrate being happy for others

by joana40 3 days ago

I kind of agree to a point. I was able to see Tony Bennett perform in 2020 and he's been one of my favorite singers for as long as I can remember. He was at that time about the only performer left from that era of music and it was a great experience. Now on the other hand you have someone like my sister who will go see Bon Jovi every single time he has a concert in this part of the country. I don't have anything against Bon Jovi and going to see him once sure but every single time he comes by I just don't really see the appeal to it.

by Anonymous 3 days ago

Listening to a compressed computer file is not even close to hearing something in person (unless it's a DJ playing compressed computer files lol)

by Icy-Caterpillar 2 days ago

I'm not a huge fan of concerts, I don't idolize singers even though I enjoy music. Going to a concert feels overwhelming to me. I really enjoy when you stumble upon some random guy with a guitar at a bar or restaurant and they have talent it's more relaxing.

by penelope65 2 days ago

Very good unpopular opinion. The experience can be amazing (not always) but the costs have become astronomical.

by Key_Explanation 2 days ago

Why go outside? I can see it all and hear it all from my lil' screen!

by Anonymous 2 days ago

Rage bait

by Anonymous 2 days ago

My mind disagrees with you. My wallet, which has not paid for concert tickets in over 10 years, agrees.

by meta48 2 days ago

More room for me to dance.

by UnlikelyStrawberry83 2 days ago

I can recall every concert I have ever been too and they were always good times There are very few days from 20+ years ago that I can remember and enjoy when thinking about them. I'm sure I'll be reminiscing over those concerts when I'm too old to physically enjoy life anymore

by No_Pattern9608 2 days ago

It's more about the theatricality, a good artist will put on a whole show that makes it worth the money (Beyonce and Kpop concerts come to mind) If the artist is phoning it in and effectively doing live karaoke to their songs, then yeah, waste of money

by Weak-Standard 2 days ago

There are good shows that don't cost as much. You just have to find a good venue. I regret not checking my local venue and missing out on a Donald Glover show right before he blew up. I recommend trying to find an artist you like that isn't as currently popular as they have been in the past. Some artists aren't lucky some are but there are very talented people who happen to be in the right place at the right time but aren't handed anything, Raphael Saadiq is a great example.

by Hayden83 2 days ago

I too share this opinion. I've been to concerts as well with friends and for me it's just whatever. I love that they have a blast and all though. I could listen to said person or group whenever without hearing everyone else.

by Dramatic_Damage 2 days ago

If it's a "Performance", I'll pay. My wife surprised me with tix to Pat Benatar a couple years ago. Basically just stood there and played her hits note for note. Could've just listened to the radio.

by Less-Experience 2 days ago

I just saw the band I've loved the most since I was 11 in their home city in their home country with 80k other people in a field and it was one of the greatest days of my entire life. I bought tickets, a flight, hotel, food, etc etc. It was so worth it. Nothing will ever compare to that experience.

by Anonymous 2 days ago

You must watch firework shows on YouTube.

by Kathryneschoen 2 days ago

I've went to shows for multiple small -large bands and have never paid more than $100. The vast majority were less than $50.

by otiliaschowalte 2 days ago

So all musical artists that have concerts just "got lucky" lol. I think that, while luck is a factor for any success, some people doing concerts may actually be talented entertaining people. So watching a talented and entertaining person entertain you = not a waste of money.

by Acceptable_Maize5524 2 days ago

I agree with your assessment of live shows. But that the artists got lucky? Seems like an incorrect oversimplification and stereotype.

by Anonymous 2 days ago

For the record, I largely agree with you. It's just that some people prioritize this kind of experience over other things. I spend more money on cars than most and some would say that it's a huge waste of money. Different strokes for different folks.

by Anonymous 2 days ago

For the most part, I agree. It's just way too much in general. I don't see the value personally.

by Longjumping_Band6072 2 days ago

Drugs & alcohol have entered the chat.

by Anonymous 2 days ago

this is more of an uninformed opinion. Live music is different than listening to an audio file in more ways than you can imagine. If you know anything about making music you would know this.

by Pfefferashton 2 days ago

Live experiences are worth it for some people. People pay for vacations because just watching the travel channel isn't enough. Expensive hobbies like skydiving, golf (depending on the course), sailing/boating, skiing, etc. Its people spending money on entertainment that they enjoy. You may not enjoy music enough to empty your wallet for a particular artist, but if it's your thing, then it may be worth it to you. Personally, 100 per ticket tends to be my upper cap. Some exceptions here and there. I only do one or two a year. I do, however, see local bands all the time for a 5 to 10 dollar cover charge. I hit up free concerts all summer, as our city has numerous free shows and festivals.

by Anonymous 2 days ago

I personally agree, but I understand it's a thing other people enjoy. I dont like concerts because they're loud and theres a lot of people and the audio quality is worse when I could just listen to the same music with headphones alone. "Seeing the band live" is just not something I really care about.

by IndicationUnusual537 2 days ago

Why eat at a restaurant when you can microwave a tv dinner

by vjast 2 days ago

I'm sorry that you have a difficult time understanding that other people have different interests, values, and/or opinions.

by Anonymous 2 days ago

Yeah, I have found that sometimes the band I PAID to see sucks live, but the OPENERS were really good.

by Anonymous 2 days ago

A lot of proplr just want to brag about being the biggest music nerd in the replies but honestly OP is right. Even if you think Coldplay is good music, you shouldn't have to go into debt to see them play. Concerts should always be affordable and accessible

by hailiemetz 2 days ago

A valid complaint would've been that you struggle to hear them over the crowd singing along. That's the main reason people go really: to see their favorite artist and sing along. The problem with your complaint is that it's entirely based on the idea that the artist is not worth seeing in person. There is obviously luck involved, and some artists really don't have any vocal talent, but most artists are not just lucky. They did earn their fame and they can sing better than you or I

by Acrobatic-East 2 days ago

I love concerts but ticket prices are definitely a big issue with bigger bands now. It sucks when a big band I love is close to my city or even in my city and I have to pass on seeing them because I don't want to drop that much on tickets that aren't even ideal spots. I can get VIP tickets for small to medium size bands that come with the best location, signed merch, early venue entry, or even a private acoustic set beforehand sometimes all for the price of a normal ticket of someone doing an arena tour for example.

by Anonymous 2 days ago

You must have seen some bad bands then

by Anonymous 2 days ago

Nah. I just saw The Weeknd play at the Levi stadium for my first real concert and it was fricken amazing. Seats were pretty high up but weren't bad like $100+ and it was an AMAZING experience. He played like 25+ songs and was actually singing like all of them.

by Emergency_Picture649 2 days ago

Concerts are definitely a waste most of the time, but a good alternative is music festivals. Far better bang for your buck. .

by Ok_Winner 2 days ago

Also potential permanent hearing loss if you are not careful

by Anonymous 2 days ago

I remember when I still cared about what other people did with their money. Wait, I never did.

by No_Promotion8901 2 days ago

Maybe I'm coping but I spent $14K to take my girl to Taylor Swift front row for her birthday and honestly that whole experience kinda made me like Taylor's music The live experience is just unlike anything else

by Anonymous 2 days ago

Live music is enjoyed by most humans. What are you lol

by Anonymous 2 days ago

SO FAR THOSE INTERACTIONS LOOK MUTUALLY NONCONSENTUAL

by Ancient_Implement 2 days ago