Quick Read
- Harry Styles’ “Together Together Tour” tickets went on Amex presale Monday, January 26.
- Fans reported ticket prices exceeding $700, with some non-floor seats reaching $1,000.
- The tour includes a 30-night residency at New York City’s Madison Square Garden and eight nights at London’s Wembley Stadium.
- Artist presales are ongoing, with general sales beginning January 28-30 for most dates.
- The pricing controversy has reignited discussions about dynamic pricing tactics used by Ticketmaster.
NEW YORK (Azat TV) – Harry Styles’ highly anticipated “Together Together Tour” has ignited a firestorm of fan frustration after tickets for the global trek went on presale, with many reporting “insane” and “exorbitant” prices. The Amex presale, which began Monday, January 26, saw tickets for some prime seats reportedly soar past $700, and even up to $1,000 for non-floor locations, prompting widespread backlash across social media platforms.
Fans Decry Skyrocketing Ticket Costs
The immediate surge in prices has left many long-time fans feeling alienated, drawing comparisons to Styles’ previous tours where tickets were significantly more affordable. Social media platforms were flooded with complaints, with numerous users expressing shock at the cost, particularly noting the implementation of “Platinum” or “Dynamic Pricing” by ticketing giant Ticketmaster. This controversial tactic adjusts ticket prices in real-time based on demand, often leading to rapid inflation for high-profile events.
One fan noted on social media that they had paid approximately £160 for a “pod” seat on a previous tour, only to see similar tickets for the current Wembley dates listed at £700. According to Ticketmaster, prices for the London shows range from £44.10 to £466.25, including fees, though these figures do not account for the dynamic pricing fluctuations observed during presales for other cities. The disquiet among fans is palpable, with many questioning the accessibility of live music given these escalating costs.
Broader Industry Trends Under Scrutiny
The controversy surrounding Harry Styles’ ticket prices is not an isolated incident but rather a symptom of a larger, ongoing debate within the live music industry. Artists from Olivia Rodrigo and Zach Bryan to Sabrina Carpenter and Green Day have faced similar fan backlash over high ticket costs and Ticketmaster’s sales practices, which often include lengthy online queues, error codes, and rapid sell-outs at inflated prices. The dominance of Live Nation, Ticketmaster’s parent company, has frequently been cited as a contributing factor to these issues.
Adding to consumer frustration, Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino publicly downplayed concerns over rising ticket costs last year, suggesting that many concerts are “underpriced” compared to sporting events. Rapino cited the average concert price of $72 as relatively low, a statement that has drawn criticism from fans struggling to afford premium experiences. Despite the public outcry, Live Nation reported robust financial performance last year, with revenue climbing 11% to $8.5 billion and adjusted operating income (AOI) up 14% to $1.03 billion in its third-quarter report, indicating that the company’s business model remains highly profitable.
The “Together Together Tour” Details and Upcoming Sales
The “Together Together Tour” is an ambitious 50-date global trek spanning seven major cities: Amsterdam, London, São Paulo, Mexico City, New York, Melbourne, and Sydney. A significant highlight of the tour is an extensive 30-night residency at New York City’s Madison Square Garden, marking Styles’ only shows in the United States. Additionally, the tour includes an impressive eight-night run at London’s Wembley Stadium, with two new dates (June 26 and 27) recently added due to overwhelming demand.
American Express Card Members had access to an initial presale that began on Monday, January 26. Artist Presales are continuing, with some dates, including newly added London shows, commencing today, Tuesday, January 27, at 2 PM GMT. Other artist presales are scheduled for January 29. General public sales are set to roll out in phases: São Paulo began Wednesday, January 28; Mexico City on Thursday, January 29; and Amsterdam, London, Melbourne, and Sydney on Friday, January 30. For New York City, general sales for August 26 through October 9 shows also begin Friday, January 30, while later October MSG dates will see general sales start Wednesday, February 4, following an Amex presale on February 2 and Artist Presales on February 3. Fans are advised to check specific event pages for the most up-to-date timing and local presale details.
The tour will feature a diverse lineup of special guests across various dates, including Robyn, Fcukers, Jorja Smith, Jamie xx, Fousheé, and Skye Newman. Notably, Shania Twain is slated to perform at all Wembley Stadium shows. This tour follows the announcement of Styles’ fourth studio album, Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally., set for release on Friday, March 6, with its first single, “Aperture,” released on January 23.
The ongoing fan outrage over Harry Styles’ “Together Together Tour” ticket prices underscores a growing tension between the soaring demand for live performances by top artists and the accessibility challenges posed by dynamic pricing models. While artists aim to meet global demand, and ticketing companies seek to maximize revenue, the current pricing structures risk alienating a significant portion of the fanbase, potentially reshaping the landscape of concert attendance for all but the wealthiest consumers.