That is an opinion piece.
Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson getting again on the market taking part in Rush’s hits is a second to have a good time. For many people, this Rush reunion is a private and emotional second after Neil Peart’s loss of life, however there’s additionally a restrict to how a lot followers can afford. Judging by the present ticket costs, that restrict has been reached.
Followers aren’t proud of Rush ticket costs
Stories from followers throughout completely different cities recommend that ticket costs for Rush reunion tour vary from $350 to $400 for mid-level seats, $300-plus for nosebleeds, and “premium packages” starting from $650 to $2,500.
These premium tickets typically include little greater than some trinkets, a laminate, and early entry to the merch sales space — hardly the form of worth Rush followers would anticipate from a band recognized for substance over flash.
Sure, Geddy and Alex should be compensated. They’ve earned their legacy and the correct to cost what the market requires. However this doesn’t really feel like that, and seems like promoters and ticket shops milking followers dry. It’s a cynical experiment in how far fan loyalty could be stretched. Some argue the pricing is a preemptive strike towards scalpers, set the face worth at what resellers would cost anyway so the band will get the cash, and never the bots. Perhaps there’s some reality to that logic. Nonetheless, for the common fan who’s supported Rush for many years, it rings hole.
Rush’s tickets was reasonably priced
What stings most is the distinction. Many of those similar followers bear in mind paying $60 or $70 for ground seats throughout the Snakes & Arrows tour. Now, those self same venues are charging 5 occasions that quantity.
In a time when the economic system is unsure, this feels out of contact. The folks being priced out aren’t informal listeners — they’re the trustworthy, those who crammed arenas 12 months after 12 months, album after album.
Perhaps this quick run is only a check, a restricted engagement meant to gauge curiosity earlier than a bigger tour. If that’s the case, hopefully somebody within the Rush camp takes word of the frustration simmering on-line. As a result of whereas demand may justify these costs within the quick time period, the goodwill that Rush has constructed over forty years is one thing that shouldn’t be cashed in on so casually.
For a lot of followers, their final reminiscence of Rush was the R40 tour in 2015, Neil Peart behind the equipment, the band closing out an period with dignity and gratitude. If these new reveals value followers out of that have, it dangers changing that heat reminiscence with a bitter one: the sensation that the music they cherished has grow to be a luxurious merchandise.
Nobody begrudges Geddy and Alex for enjoying once more. However there’s a nice line between celebrating your legacy and commodifying it. And proper now, too many loyal followers really feel like they’ve been left on the fallacious aspect of that line.
