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Why are gig tickets so expensive — and is Live Nation to blame?

First it was dynamic pricing and VIP packages, now it’s ‘priority entry’ to jump the queues. Our investigation also reveals how prices to see your favourite band may not have peaked

At the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this month Beyoncé fans could buy seats ranging from £71.60 to nearly £860, with a selection of VIP packages including the “Real Live Boogie” (£357.10 for a decently placed ticket, one drink token, a bandana and a neck tie, plus “Cowboy Carter Tour photo op; no artist participation”). Go Privilege, a company that organises VIP experiences, is offering Lana Del Rey packages for July from £162 to £718 — with perks including lounge access, dining and a “42in TV showing concert coverage”. In the next few months there will be stadium gigs from Lana Del Rey, Kendrick Lamar and Oasis — whose reunion tour led to calls for an inquiry after tickets sold for hundreds more than advertised.

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