Live Nation and Ticketmaster have brought real-time pricing to Australia's concert scene, but who really gains from these soaring ticket costs?

Concert tickets now fluctuate like stocks, leaving fans scrambling as prices for Green Day’s 2025 tour hit $500. Musicians do see some extra revenue, yet the control lies with Live Nation's algorithms rather than the artists themselves. While dynamic pricing is touted as a way to beat scalpers by matching market value, it mainly benefits the corporate giants.

Green Day fans face steep prices that contradict the band’s anti-corporate roots. Ticketmaster shifts blame to artists for setting high prices, claiming it's better than dealing with scalpers.

The reality is a few players dominate ticketing and venues. Live Nation owns much of this chain, dictating terms in Australia where oversight lags behind other regions. High costs of touring Down Under add to expensive tickets.

The ACCC has acknowledged legality but hasn’t addressed consumer concerns about price hikes during sales queues. Concerts should be accessible cultural events, not exclusive gatherings for those who can afford them.

As we await government intervention similar to actions in the US and UK against such monopolistic practices, fans are left facing an expensive future for live music experiences.