Having never seen Springsteen, should I blow $150 on a floor ticket for this weekend's show?

[SteppingRazor]

For reference:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYPSZiE0OAs

[DS1]

1. I've seen only rave reviews of the concert

but it's a shame one who have to encourage those enormous ticket prices in order to see it.

[SteppingRazor]

2. Been sold out for months, but a friend can't go...

and they're willing to part with their ticket at cost (they went through a ticket broker, of course. Hence the ridiculous price.)

[Midlodemocrat]

3. Yes. Without question.

[joeybee12]

8. Agreed. n/t

[flvegan]

I would.

I've not seen him live either, and I'd pay that for the chance, especially if it's a good seat.

[maddezmom]

4. Going tonight

It'll be my 6 time seeing him. Can't wait. I say go for it if you can spare the $$$.

[hobbit709]

5. I might pay $150 for a ticket

if they resurrected Janis, Jimi and Lennon. But then we had a $2 cover when Springsteen played at the Armadillo.

[SteppingRazor]

6. I feel ya. Until very recently, I worked as a music journalist ...

so this whole "paying for tickets" concept is a little foreign to me. ;)

[pdx_prog]

7. I saw him

during the Born in the USA tour. I wasn't thrilled about going but a friend had an extra ticket......was one of the best concerts I have ever been to.

[abq e streeter]

9. As you can see from my username, I'm a HUGE Springsteen fan

but I voted no, because to me, NO ONE is worth that much money, not even Bruce. That's an outrageous amount; rock and roll shouldn't only be available for rich people. Hopefully a fellow DU Springsteen fan named Bennyboy will see this and weigh in. I saw a recent post of his about how he just shows up to the shows without tickets and is always able to get one for below the ticket price. However, I suppose if 150$ isn't a hardship, go for it. The guys are getting pretty old, and certainly can't put on shows like they did in the 70's, but I've seen them as recently as 2002 and they still were fantastic. And since you've never seen them, even if they're getting old, you'll be able to say you saw Bruce Springsteen and that's sayin' something.The E Street Band (in its prime) is by far the greatest band I've ever seen, and I guarantee they haven't forgotten how to rock just because they're well into their 50's. I recently saw Little Richard for the first time, and hey, he's 75 years old (!) but its still Little Richard and I'm glad I finally can say I saw him. Same with seeing Roy Orbison not too long before he died. He had trouble hitting some of the notes, but it didn't matter, it was still Roy Orbison ( same thing with going to see old blues guys). It'll still be a great show; I just have a problem with these ridiculous ticket prices even if I personally can afford them. It just really rubs me the wrong way.

[CreekDog]

21. Remember, these are floor tickets

I assume the other seats were cheaper.

In 2003, I paid $75 but I was facing the stage in the first row of the upper level (greatest cheaper seats at Arco Arena by the way). It's small enough that you see everything pretty well up there if you face the right direction.

[abq e streeter]

24. I realize that---but its still outrageous as far as I'm concerned

For 150$ I'd have to have seats ON the stage. But that's just me. I stand by my opinion that rock and roll shows have no business being unaffordable to so many people. I have a friend that plays in one of the biggest bands in the world; not good enough friends to get comp tickets, but enough that I can get good seats before they go on sale to the public, but for the regular price. The last time ( about 1997) it was 78 dollars, and its a lot more now, and again, I refuse to pay what I consider price-gouging prices even though I can afford to. It means I'd be supporting a system that squeezes out many poor and/or young people. Just my opinion and since the OP has never seen Bruce, I do understand paying whatever it costs to see, even past their prime, the greatest rock and roll band to ever rock ( or roll).

[pitohui]

29. i support this person's post

abq e streeter explains well what i don't know how to explain

if you missed the young springsteen throwing $150 at it won't change the fact that you missed the young springsteen

you can't buy back a youth spent hiding in the church or the library

seeing a guy past his prime is a little sad, it is not the real experience

[abq e streeter]

31. Actually at the risk of beating the point to death,

I think you somewhat misinterpreted what I was saying. This band still kicked major ass as recently as 6 years ago ( last time I saw em) and I bet they still do. Just can't possibly be as good as when they were young. I just thought the price is ridiculous no matter who you're seeing or when...Again, I just saw Little Richard and he's 75 years old, and I'm glad I finally saw him. So gotta disagree, it certainly won't be the same as seeing these guys 30 years ago, but it still IS Bruce and the E Street Band, and at a reasonable price for the tickets, I'd still travel 500 miles to see 'em, just like I did in 2002. I'm sure the OP will still enjoy the show. And of course in the grand scheme of things, this isn't a particularly important disagreement. Have a good rest of the evening and let's all work together to kick some republican ass this Nov.

[SteppingRazor]

40. Er ... I didn't miss the young Springsteen because I was hiding in church or whatever...

I missed him because I wasn't born yet. ;)

[Westegg]

10. Price is absurd, but yes, see him...

...I first saw him in '78 in Pittsburgh's Stanley Theater. Paid maybe ten bucks for tenth row-center seats. Stunning show. Saw him half a dozen times after, and each time it was great -- but I haven't seen a Bruce show in over a decade. From what I hear, though, he still rocks hard and gives a shit about the audience. Every rock fan needs to see Bruce at least once. That's how I see it.

Ticket prices today insult rock fans. No doubt about that. In the mid '70s to early '80s, I saw major bands like Zeppelin, the Stones, Pink Floyd, Bruce, Yes, Allman Bros., Genesis, Zappa, Queen, Clapton, the Who, Tom Petty, Rundgren, Skynyrd, Z.Z. Top, Eagles, Aerosmith, Sabbath, Tull, Fleetwood Mac. And so many more. Ticket prices ranged from $6.50 to $18, max. Hell, in '76 I paid about $15 for a day-long concert at 3 Rivers Stadium featuring the Steve Miller Band, Fleetwood Mac and the Eagles.

It ain't just "inflation." The $11.50 I paid for Led Zeppelin floor seats in '77 would be worth about $45 in today's money. Yet top bands now command $100, $200, $300 or much more? That ain't right. Springsteen in '08 is HARDLY the Springsteen of 30 years ago, yet his tickets are $150? And he's priced relatively reasonable, compared to others.

Greed. That's all it is. Someone's making a lot of money of this kinda bullshit. And the fans are screwed royally in the process. Still, go see Bruce. You need to.

[SteppingRazor]

11. To be fair to Bruce, the original ticket price was under $100.

But a buddy of mine bought tickets through a ticket broker for $150 a pop, and now they can't go and are just trying to recover what they paid for them.

[Westegg]

13. Cool. I'm not surprised that Bruce...

...is still relatively "reasonable" when it comes to ticket prices. They're still too high, however. And the same goes for movie tickets, sporting events-- you all know what I mean.

[DemocratInSoCal]

14. You're Probably Overpaying

Might be able to get one cheaper on EBay, but since you're bailing out a friend, whatever.

Make sure to try and go before 5 PM to get a wristband. You might get lucky and get into the Pit.

[CreekDog]

22. under $100 for floor seats and Bruce's sets are longer than anybody's

that's a good deal compared to most of what's available.

over $300 for Barbra, no freakin' way...of course I wouldn't see her for free :hide:

[Bennyboy]

27. Then no chance....

There are tickets out front for face or less.... I think face is 65?

[Magrittes Pipe]

12. He's a bit past his prime, performance-wise.

Spend a quarter of that on a DVD concert from '78 or '80. And turn the volume up.

[Haole Girl]

15. I would want to see him, but not for that much.

So I voted other. Could you get less expensive tickets?

[Richardo]

16. I'd buy ALiberalSailor a shirt

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=7655959&mesg_id=7655959

[Skittles]

37. Springsteen better than any f***ing shirt

yes INDEED

[Richardo]

38. Never been a big fan

[Ava]

17. that's a good deal imo

go for it!

edit: why is everyone talking about the price being absurd? has anyone looked at floor seats to most concerts lately? that's a good price for an awesome musician imo.

[Bryan]

18. Noble of you to help out your friend

For me, it would be tempting, but my personal policy is that if I have to pay more for a ticket than it would cost to get an artist's entire back catalogue, I don't go.

For example, REM's playing Red Rocks in June, but decent seats would run me about $90.00, not counting travel costs, refreshments, and the hassle of taking the day off of work and humping my way up those awful steps (to say nothing of the fact that after all that, they still might not play "Gardening at Night").

[MrSlayer]

19. I wouldn't. But then again I hate Springsteen.

If you like him, it's not too bad a price. Provided you are relatively close to the stage. $150 to sit at the back of the floor isn't a great bargain.

[CreekDog]

20. Absolutely, you will get quite a show, and Bruce is both opening and headlining act

I saw him at Arco Arena in Sacramento in 2003 (the day they pulled down the statue of Saddam). He was incredible and played for almost 3 hours.

Only thing is, his audience is getting older so there were complaints when we stood up. :rofl:

[yellowcanine]

23. Here is the test. Ask yourself, "When I get old am I going to regret that I didn't see Springsteen

when I had the chance?" If the answer is "yes" or "maybe" then go. If the answer is "no", then save the money. For me, it would be no, if it meant going by myself. If it meant going with someone I cared about who was a big Springsteen fan, then the answer would be "yes" and I would go.

[Brigid]

25. Do it.

I hear his live shows are not to be missed. I hope to see one myself one day. :)

[Bennyboy]

26. Yeah...but personally, I would see whats out front....

first.....For most of the shows on this tour, the floor is General Admission, so getting a good seat is not a problem. And the older crowd that is into Bruce won't start a mosh pit, they are pretty respectful about space on the floor. And there have been handfuls of tickets out front for CHEAP (20 bucks for me last Friday).


But if you got the jack and you are trying to help a friend that has tickets out...

The shows have been freaking incredible lately. the first leg of the tour was kind of the rehearsal for this one. Non stop rock and roll.
Either way it will be one of the most memorable nights of your musical lifetime.

[pitohui]

28. i like him but he's old now

the time to have seen him was when he was young -- and he was most impressive then

i guess i just don't see the need to put that kind of money into dinosaur rock when springsteen is doing fine financially and you could spend $15 apiece on a ticket to help a young up and coming start up

spread the money around and some of the bands you see will be fucktards but you'll also see the next springsteen and get to tell you young whippersnappers "i saw the real thing"


if your friend needs a handout, give him a handout or don't give him a handout, i for one am old (altho not as old as springsteen) and when "friends" hit me up for handouts i'm old enough to accept that they are no longer my friends -- once someone hits me up for money they are no longer my friend

[Highway61]

30. Go for it

I saw him 3 times and will see him again this July....He's awesome and believe me, you will be rockin out!

[MissMillie]

32. If you've got it to spend.... yes

he is an amazing performer. Full of energy.

[BlueIris]

33. HELL, yes.

What are you, stupid or something?? :-)

[Missy Vixen]

34. YES

I saw Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band on the "Tunnel of Love" tour. In those days, of course, dinosaurs roamed the earth. The show started at 8. He came out at 11, said, "Goodnight!", left the stage for five minutes, then reappeared and said, "We got rid of the suckers. Let's have some fun," and played for another hour.

EVERYONE was dancing. Everyone. I don't think I've ever had so much fun in my life, and I have been lucky enough to see some fairly major musicians live in my lifetime. If money wasn't a problem, I would pay $150, because it's something you'll never forget.

Julie

[Kat45]

35. YES! He's the best performer I've ever seen, and I've been to a lot of shows.

I first saw him on "The River" tour, I forget what year it was, late 70s/early 80s. I wasn't even a fan then; I had initially hated his music but had recently started hearing some stuff I liked, yet I didn't understand why he was such a big fucking deal. Everyone said you HAVE to see him live. So I did, and he blew me away. Played for about 3-4 hours, was incredible. I've been a big fan ever since. I also saw him in the nineties (I think) when he played at Fenway Park, which was quite a treat.

[Schema Thing]

36. According to the show's reviewer in the Dallas Morning News

this morning, the answer is "yes". That comports with my past experience seeing his shows.

[Orsino]

39. Once. Maybe.

I stood on a concrete floor in Mannheim to see him ('93), and it was one of the best shows I've ever attended.

But US$150 for one ticket? In this economy? Jesus. I guess if you're a diehard fan, and have never seen him live before, I'd say go for it--but if you're a diehard, you may need to go for it, anyway.

To ensure we get your money's worth, I'll have to insist that you post about it afterward. :hi:

[SteppingRazor]

41. UPDATE: Well, the "Yes" votes have it, and I just got my ticket!

Clearly, it was my purchase of a ticket to Friday's show that made Springsteen endorse Obama:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x3270475


:P

[Connonym]

42. hee! I was just going to suggest that since he was endorsing Obama...

I wonder if they clear that with a candidate before they announce an endorsement.