As increasing prices and fees make gig-going difficult, readers voice their frustration – and suggest alternatives
“L
ive music is my passion, but over the last couple of years, prices have gone crazy,” says Amy Law, 35, a New Zealander living in London. “I used to go to gigs weekly, but I haven’t been since June.”
Amy, an EDM fan, says it used to be quite normal for her to pay £15 to £20 to watch a DJ at Electric Brixton before the Covid pandemic. “This week I decided against seeing Lost Frequencies there because it was over £50. Fifty! I’m gutted because he’s my favourite DJ at the moment. It’s a shame because gigs are such a wonderful communal experience and an outlet for life’s frustration. We’re missing out.”
Seeing live music is becoming increasingly expensive across the UK, thanks in part to the cost of living crisis, as well as the rise of resale websites and some artists and promoters deploying dynamic ticket pricing. It’s leading some fans to rethink their gig-going habits.
