http://www.channel4.com/programmes/dispatches/4od
I saw this documentary by Channel4 (UK-TV) last night, and can't say that anything surprised me.
I have always thought touts were scum, and now with the internet they have gone corporate, but are still scum.
I suspect that I will largely be unaffected by the kind of event these scum target, as I suspect many on the forum will be too, but can see the day when like some interviewed in the programme want to buy tickets for my daughter.
Getting tickets for old 70's bands, and solo artists, or niche techno bands is not going to interest these corporate thieves, and many artists I see offer tickets from their own websites. But for those wishing to see big acts like Take That, Coldplay, Rihanna, etc. this really is disgusting.
I was very sorry to see that Scarletmist.com has closed (face value ticket trading without profit) as they said the site had been targeted by touts.
I strongly believe that concerts should be for those who really love the music of an artist, and not just those who can afford to buy expensive tickets. The atmosphere at huge concerts is not only affected by the size of the venue, but by the fact that many there are not fans of the band, but just want to hear the couple of hits they know, and talk through the album tracks that many dedicated fans most want to hear.
Digital Spy have an interesting thread on the programme - http://forums.digitalspy.co.uk...thread.php?t=1631151
I should also mention MP Sharon Hodgson's private memebrs bill which was talked out (filibustered) by Conservative MPs (who no doubt can afford inlated ticket prices).
http://www.sharonhodgson.org/t...private-members-bill
By the way, did I mention that I think touts are scum, just in case you missed it.
Posted on: 25 February 2012 by BigH47
I agree Jamie the situation is worse than when the touts were at their height. These sites are corporate touts, the bollox that their owners talk is amazing. We ensure that customers get their tickets in time for shows etc, missing out on the fact that they can't even get the tickets they to start with , unless of course they pay 3 times as much for them.
It surprises me that none of the bands speak out about it, still what do they care? They get their payment regardless of how much their fans are fleeced.
Posted on: 25 February 2012 by JamieL_v2
I like what Pearl Jam and Porcupine Tree have done at their recent concerts, and possibly a few others bands too that I am unaware of.
Fan club members can collect pre-purchased tickets just before the show and get early entry, but have a limit on the number of tickets available to each member, plus you have to show ID.
Pearl Jam were very good for this tour, only allowing existing fan club members to get the tickets, i.e.. shows announced something like 8th Dec, fan club tickets only available to fan club members current at 5th Dec. I normally join every time I hear a tour announced, but didn't feel cheated, and did get a pre-sale after the fan club tickets as a previous ticket buyer.
If you look on their Wikipedia page it details their fight with Ticket Master over inflating prices in the 90's. The band grew up as music fans and wanted to keep prices low so that others like them could see concerts.
I also remember that many years ago U2 kept back a couple of hundred tickets at their shows, to sell at face value on the door at the last minute, and to leave the touts out of pocket who were outside the venue, but that was before the internet.
I do find it hard to understand why this kind of over price selling is not illegal, imagine if you went to your local supermarket, bought all the potatoes, and then set up a stall outside selling at twice the price. I think the police would be there in minutes.
Posted on: 26 February 2012 by Gale 401
Jamie,
I agree with you on all points.
But i must say i bought my ticket for the Sunday last show of the Led Zepp May 1975 stint at Earls Court, off a tout cheaper than the price on the ticket.
So he didn't make any money from me.
And i got one of the best seats in the house for one of the best concerts ever..
Stu.
