So, You Won't Pay $900 To See The Stones? How About $5,000.00!!!

[matcom]

<snip>

Seeing the Rolling Stones belt out "Brown Sugar" at the band's November concert in SBC Park could cost you as much as $5,000, the equivalent of a trip around the world or a large-screen television. At least, that's what some ticket brokers are charging for some of the seats closest to the stage.

The Rolling Stones economy is in full swing within days of the band's recent announcement that it will play in San Francisco Nov. 13. Fans are paying -- or at least being asked to pay -- dearly to watch Mick Jagger sing some of rock 'n' roll's most iconic anthems (plus a smattering of new songs).

Officially, a single ticket costs between $64 and $454, plus service charges. But the sky's the limit if you buy tickets from a reseller.

Brokers are hoping to capitalize on what is expected to be heavy demand for seats by Rolling Stones fans. The band has proven to be one of the biggest draws in music, especially among middle-age Baby Boomers who have deeper pockets than typical rock and roll lovers.

"Rolling Stones tickets are flying, how else could I put it?" said Bob Bernstein, owner of eSeats.com, a ticket broker in Scottsdale, Ariz. "They're the hottest ticket around."

On Monday, the highest-priced tickets on eSeats for the San Francisco show were at $5,350 each. The pair were in the first row, right in front of the stage.

There's no telling whether the broker will get his price, of course. There's a range of competing companies, offering hundreds of tickets for sale.

Buying tickets from brokers appeals to some people, despite the extra cost. Good seats are guaranteed. There's no need to wait in a line or make repeated telephone calls, only to get a busy signal. And tickets are almost always available, even when a show is sold out.

Brokers have nevertheless earned the scorn of many concert-goers. They accuse the industry of helping inflate ticket prices and making it more difficult for average fans to see their favorite bands.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/05/17/BUGRVCQ42O1.DTL

[ET Awful]

1. I wouldn't pay $20 for 'em.

Some bands should have given up a long time ago.

[NoPasaran]

2. For that kind of money

You should get to sit in on Jumping Jack Flash.

[MuseRider]

3. I am glad I have already

seen them twice because I can't think of anyone I would pay that much to see.

[GalleryGod]

4. Chump change for some

Nobody that I know...however some in my brothers L.A. crowd-think nothing of forkin' out a G note for ticket to a must event

[BigMcLargehuge]

5. A mugga floo... a mugga floo... flooooooooo...

yeah yeah man, a mugga flooo... (in harmony)... mugga flooooooooooo