Rockonomics: The Cost of Live Music | Coolfer
Today the top five percent of artists generate 84% of concert revenues. This says to Coolfer that the bands that draw the most people are getting those 98% of Americans who go to two or fewer concerts a year. A concert is a big night out for them, and the price tag for a big night out can be high.
But what about the bands that play for those 2% of Americans who are avid concert goers? While the Internet has caused ticket prices for premium concerts to rise, it’s also enabled a flourishing market of lesser known acts and small clubs. And prices at those small venues are very affordable. The sequence of events is no longer: buy music, buy ticket, see band. Now it’s often: visit band’s MySpace page, buy ticket, buy t-shirt or CD at merch table.