India’s love affair with live music is as passionate as it is expensive. The latest uproar centres around exorbitant concert ticket prices for international acts.
Concerts by Coldplay and Diljit Dosanjh have highlighted the issue, with tickets reselling at astronomical prices, leaving many fans frustrated and questioning the fairness of ticket distribution.
The British rock band Coldplay is set to perform three shows in Mumbai as part of their Music of the Spheres world tour, with tickets selling out within minutes. Originally priced between 2,500 and 12,000 rupees, these tickets are now available on reselling platforms for as much as 900,000 rupees.
Over 10 million people vied for 180,000 tickets on the official platform, BookMyShow (BMS), leading to hours-long virtual queues and website crashes. Allegations of rigged sales arose as tickets appeared on resale sites at inflated prices before the official release.
Madonna’s VIP passes for her tour were priced at £1,306.75, and Beyoncé’s best concert tickets sold for £2,400, showcasing the stark contrast with the prices Coldplay fans are facing.
BMS has distanced itself from resellers, cautioning fans against purchasing from unauthorised sources. Despite this, suspicion remains about the effectiveness of their measures against scalping.
Diljit’s popularity and demand for his concerts highlight that these pricing issues are not limited to international acts.
The shift in concert funding is notable. Previously, sponsors covered 80% of production costs, but ticket sales now account for the majority, reflecting the growing market.
Days around ticket sales show a surge in related content, with fans sharing experiences and building anticipation. This, in turn, affects ticket pricing dynamics and availability.
While there are calls for government intervention in ticket pricing, some industry experts argue that such control could also necessitate regulation of costs, complicating the issue further.
Dwayne Dias, a graphic designer, reflected on his experience of attending a Coldplay concert in Singapore, noting the stark differences in organisation and venue quality compared to India.
The surge in ticket prices for concerts by international and local artists highlights systemic issues in the ticketing industry in India.
As the live music market continues to grow, addressing these challenges will be crucial for ensuring fair access to cultural events for all fans.
