Rag’n’Bone Man, the talented musician behind hits like “Human,” is speaking out against dynamic pricing and the soaring costs of concert tickets. In an interview with the Glasgow Times as part of the Investigates series Priced Out, Rory Graham, also known as Rag’n’Bone Man, emphasized the need for artists to take action to address the issue.
Rory Graham’s Call to Action
Graham expressed his belief that artists need to regain control over ticket prices and initiate a dialogue to establish limits on concert costs. He highlighted the importance of artists coming together to discuss and implement changes that benefit both fans and performers. Graham stated, “It’s a conversation we have all got to have. We have to talk between us about how we sell tickets in the future because it’s not cool for people to pay that much money for concerts.”
The Impact of Rising Ticket Prices
The escalation of ticket prices for concerts in Glasgow and the UK has been a growing concern among fans and artists alike. Recent events have seen exorbitant prices, with tickets for artists like Stevie Nicks and Billie Eilish selling for hundreds of pounds. The dynamic pricing strategy employed by some promoters has led to fans feeling priced out of attending shows, as seen in the case of the Oasis reunion tour announcement, where ticket prices surged well beyond initial expectations.
Artists’ Perspectives on Dynamic Pricing
Other musicians, such as Jake Bugg of Lightning Bolt, have also voiced their disapproval of dynamic pricing tactics. Bugg criticized the practice as exploiting fans’ desire to see their favorite artists and expressed concern over the fairness of such pricing strategies. Similarly, Rag’n’Bone Man shared his own frustrations with the issue, emphasizing the disconnect between artists and fans when it comes to ticket pricing. He lamented the sight of fans paying inflated prices for tickets to his shows and clarified that artists are not the beneficiaries of such price hikes.
In light of the ongoing financial challenges faced by many individuals, Graham highlighted the significance of making live music accessible to all fans. He underscored the importance of considering the economic hardships that many people are experiencing and questioned the justification for exorbitant ticket prices in the current climate.
The conversation around dynamic pricing and concert costs continues to be a pressing issue within the music industry. Artists like Rag’n’Bone Man are calling for greater transparency, fairness, and collaboration to ensure that fans can enjoy live music experiences without being priced out. As the dialogue evolves, it remains essential for artists, fans, and industry stakeholders to work together towards a more equitable and sustainable approach to ticket pricing.