How much is too much for a concert ticket?

Rising living costs aren’t putting people off going to see their favourite bands and singers in concert.

According to Santander UK, music fans expect to pay more than £400 on live music and attend an average of three gigs this year.

That’s despite the typical concert ticket now costing £128 - an increase of 212% since 2000.

A concert ticket is worth it, say music lovers

Three-quarters of music fans (75%) said they think going to a live concert is a good investment.

And for many, nostalgia seems to be part of the appeal.

In fact, more than two-thirds (67%) said they still like seeing the same artists they did 20 years ago.

Others, meanwhile, are enjoying a kind of second-hand nostalgia, with over half (53%) going to watch the bands their parents saw when they were younger.

“While inflation has affected many areas of household spending, ticket prices for the biggest live music events have risen considerably faster, particularly for major stadium tours and globally in-demand artists,” said Frances Haque of Santander UK.

“Despite the increasing financial demands, consumers continue prioritising memorable experiences and cultural moments.”

Music fans still thinking twice before booking

While people are often prepared to pay higher ticket prices, they’re not necessarily happy about it or willing to buy impulsively.

Nearly three-quarters (71%) said soaring costs have made them think twice about going to a concert.

Meanwhile, more than eight in ten (82%) said they miss when booking concert tickets felt spontaneous and affordable, rather than a big expense they have to pay for.

Live music doesn’t have to cost a fortune

Big acts can and probably always will charge lots of money.

But you don’t have to pay huge sums to enjoy live music.

Check out grassroots venues in your area, such as pubs and clubs, and see what’s on their gig listings.

You’ll find a huge variety of live music on offer and you’ll pay a fraction of the price of a stadium gig for the whole experience.

Going to small gigs may not have the same prestige as tickets to see Harry Styles, but it's great fun, something you can do regularly, and a fantastic way to discover new music.

And you might even end up seeing tomorrow’s big star before they become huge.

Imagine the bragging rights you can get from that!