Are Arena Gigs Still Worth the Money?
- Emma Calder
- Feb 4, 2017
- 2 min read
You paid how much for a ticket?
They come on late, they play half the set, leave, and you spent half your month's wages on the ticket. What a rip off.
Now, more than ever musicians are charging through the roof for their arena tours despite the fact the experience is the same it always has been.
With some tickets creeping up to almost the £200 mark, which is almost the price of a weekend festival wristband, the question has to be asked: are live arena gigs still worth the money?
Cast your mind back 12 years, Green Day their Bullet in a Bible show: Milton Keynes Bowl, a live double LP of the show, supported by Jimmy Eat World, Taking Back Sunday, and Hard-Fi. A whole festival of events. All for £25.
Over a decade later and prices have over tripled. Just today I found myself looking for an Ed Sheeran ticket. The biggest surprise came when I searched the price for one ticket at the O2. £120. I'm sorry Ed, there is absolutely no way.
There is no denying the fact that live music is a thrilling experience that every music lover should get themselves to as much as possible. But now, your money isn't necessarily guarantee a wowing and magical performance like it used to.
We've all heard the rumours about certain artists lip syncing and walking off stage. So did you just spend your hard earned cash on a thirty minute diva show?
While this is obviously a subjective issue, my short answer to this question would be: no, if you're paying over the hundred pound mark for one act in an arena, it's probably not worth it anymore.
My reason for saying that is based on the fact you can still see most world famous artists in more intimate venues for a fraction of the arena price. Not only do you save heaps of money but it's a better night too.
The trick is to seek out these smaller performance (apps can be really helpful to track down secret shows and last minute announcements).
Last year I was lucky enough to see Mumford and Son in Nottingham for just £35. While this was still on the larger side of venues, it was still without a doubt it was one of the best performances I have ever been to - and it didn't break the bank.
Last June I headed over to Brixton for a Mac Demarco gig, it was in a cosy former theatre venue that had seen better days but let Mac put on a jaw-dropping show. The singer was climbing into the crowd and up on the railings throughout the show. It was intimate and well worth the £20.
Before buying a ticket, really think about what you're going to get from the gig. Don't fall a victim of day light robbery, get yourself to two or three cheap and cheerful gigs instead, or book yourself a festival ticket and catch a handful of your favourite artists in one go.
Images: Wix
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