The concert ticket revolution: Can technology save the system?

In a world where concert tickets are becoming increasingly expensive, fans and experts are looking for innovative solutions. Let's see how technology could improve the ticket system and what this means for music lovers around the world.

The international ticket hunt

Imagine flying to another continent to see your favorite artist because it's cheaper than a ticket in your home country. This may sound crazy, but it's exactly what Jacki Thrapp did. This American Taylor Swift fan found that a trip to Sweden, including concert tickets, was cheaper than attending a show in the US.

“We're paying huge amounts of money in America, while a lot of fans are still unable to buy homes,” says Jacki. Her experience exposes a major problem in ticket sales, especially in countries such as the US and the UK.

European approach vs. US sprawl

In Europe, we see a different approach. Countries such as Germany, Italy and Ireland have rules to prevent extreme price increases. In Sweden, reselling is less common, which keeps prices more stable.

Meanwhile, artists in the US and UK are complaining about a 'broken' system. They point to “predatory resellers” who drive up prices. Fortunately, there are plans to address this, such as the British Labour Party's proposal to set price limits.

Technology as a lifesaver?

But laws alone don't solve everything. What do we do about buyers and fake tickets? This is where technology comes in.

Tixologi's Asher Weiss believes in the power of AI. “Our technology can recognize unusual buying habits and protect real fans,” he explains. In addition, his company uses blockchain to prevent ticket duplication and makes reselling more difficult with smart QR codes.

Dynamic pricing and targeted marketing

Robin Sherry from Seat Unique takes a different approach. His company uses AI for dynamic pricing, allowing artists and venues themselves to benefit from demand. “It's about getting tickets from fans, not buyers,” says Sherry.

He also sees opportunities in targeted marketing. “AI will know what events you like before you know it,” he predicts. This could shake up the ticket industry, which he says is slowly modernizing.

The future of live performances

Technology is not only influencing ticket sales, but also the shows themselves. Soon, fans in London will be able to admire an AI-controlled Elvis hologram. Producer Andrew McGuiness promises an experience that is “more like time travel than a regular concert.”

Whether AI is really the solution for fans like Jacki remains to be seen. “There must be a better way,” she sighs. Companies like Seat Unique and Tixologi hope that their technological innovations will indeed offer that better path.

As the music world struggles with fair ticket sales, it looks like technology will play a key role in finding a balance between artist, fan, and fair pricing. The future of concert attendance is about to change dramatically, hopefully for the benefit of true music lovers.