Neil Young Rejects Dynamic Pricing, Inspired by The Cure’s Robert Smith

Neil Young, the acclaimed singer-songwriter, is taking a stand against dynamic ticket pricing, echoing the sentiments of Robert Smith, frontman of The Cure. this move aims to make concerts more accessible to fans and combat exploitative resale practices.

Young’s “love Earth” Tour and Ticket Pricing

The 79-year-old Young, is set to headline major events this year, including Glastonbury Festival in Somerset and the BST Hyde Park festival in London, as part of his “Love Earth” tour.He is also scheduled to perform at Malahide Castle in Dublin on June 26.

The Problem with dynamic Pricing

Dynamic pricing, a practice employed by ticketing platforms like Ticketmaster, adjusts ticket prices based on real-time demand. While the company frames it as “platinum” or “in demand” tickets that “give fans the opportunity to purchase the most in demand,” critics argue it leads to exorbitant prices.

The issue gained prominence during the 2024 Oasis reunion tour ticket sales, where dynamic pricing drove prices up significantly. The band played sold-out shows in Croke park in Dublin on August 16th and 17th, 2024.

Young’s Stance against Surge Pricing

Young addressed the issue in a statement on his website, denouncing surge pricing as a “bad thing that has happened to concerts worldwide.” He explained that his team has “always tried to cover my back on the road, getting me the best deals they could” and “tried to protect me and my fans from the scalpers who buy the best tickets and resell them at huge increases for their own profits.”

Young further elaborated on his discomfort with Ticketmaster’s “high-priced Platinum tickets,” stating, “Ticketmaster’s high-priced Platinum tickets were introduced to the areas where scalpers were buying the most tickets for resale.the money went to me.That did not feel right.” He announced that “Very soon,Platinum Tickets will no longer be available for my shows.”

Rather, Young is placing trust in his fans, saying, “I have decided to let the people work this out. Buy aggressively when the tickets come out, or tickets will cost a lot more in a secondary market.”

Robert Smith and The Cure’s principled Stand

Young credited Robert Smith of The Cure as an inspiration,directing fans to Smith’s statements against dynamic pricing,saying what The Cure did was “right” to address the issue.

The cure has “previously committed to not having surge pricing on its tours.” Smith described the practice as a “greedy scam,” emphasizing the band’s commitment to affordability. Smith said: “I was shocked by how much profit is made. I thought, ‘We don’t need to make all this money’.”

Smith added, “my fights with the label have all been about how we can price things lower…The only reason you’d charge more for a gig is if you were worried that it was the last time you would be able to sell a T-shirt.”

Ticketmaster’s Response

Ticketmaster maintains that Platinum and In Demand tickets are determined by the promoter and artist. According to their website, Platinum tickets are “the most in-demand tickets to an event” aimed at providing “the most dedicated fans access to a particular event.”

In response to Young’s comments, a Ticketmaster spokesperson stated: “Ticketmaster is a marketplace that sells tickets on behalf of event organisers including sports teams, artist teams, theater producers, and so on. We respect their decisions to price their tickets how they see fit.”

The spokesperson continued: “Ticketmaster is committed to making ticketing simple and clear. Since 2018, our resale has been capped at face value, providing fans a safe place to sell tickets they can’t use at the original price set by artists and event organisers.”

Highlighting efforts to combat unfair practices, the Ticketmaster spokesperson added, “We support proposals to introduce an industry-wide resale price cap. We also urge the government to crackdown on bots and ban speculative ticket sales…Ticketmaster welcomes any action to protect fans and give them the best chance at getting tickets to the events they love.”

The Bigger Picture: Combating ticket Scalping

The controversy surrounding dynamic pricing is intrinsically linked to the issue of ticket scalping. High resale prices, such as those seen for the 2025 Oasis tour, have drawn criticism, with secondary sellers listing tickets for exorbitant amounts.Neil Young’s stance, and that of artists like Robert Smith, underscores a growing movement to prioritize fans over profit-driven resale markets.

What You Can Do

• Be Prepared: When tickets go on sale, be ready to purchase them promptly through official channels.
• Avoid Resellers: Refrain from buying tickets from secondary markets,where prices are frequently enough inflated.
• Support Artists: Attend concerts by artists who actively fight against unfair ticket pricing practices.
• Advocate for Change: Contact your representatives to support legislation that regulates ticket sales and protects consumers.

Neil Young’s decision to reject dynamic pricing, inspired by Robert Smith’s commitment to fair ticketing, marks a significant moment in the ongoing battle against exploitative practices in the concert industry. By taking a stand, these artists are empowering fans and advocating for a more equitable and accessible live music experience. Stay informed, be proactive in your ticket purchasing, and support artists who prioritize their fans’ well-being.