🎤 Back When Concerts Were $20 🎸

The Price of a Night Out

Back in the 1970s and 1980s, many major concerts had tickets priced around $10‑$20 for general admission or even good seats. By contrast, today similar concerts often cost many times that amount.

For example, in 1986, The Greatest Love World Tour shows had tickets in the $15‑$25 range. Another example is the 1980 festival “Heatwave” in Ontario, which charged about $20 or $25 at the gate.

“In 1976, fans could watch Bruce Springsteen for just under eight bucks. Elton John shows in ’75 could be $10 or less. Elvis Costello in ’77 just $5.”

Then vs Now: What Changed

• Inflation: $10 in 1976 is worth much more today.
• Production costs rose; bigger stages, lighting, effects.
• More complex venue logistics, travel, staff, security, licensing.
• Ticketing platforms, resale fees, and “dynamic pricing” inflated the final cost.

Pure Nostalgia Hits

There’s something about knowing you could get in to see a band you loved without breaking the bank. The memories, the posters, the ticket stubs all cheaper than many single tickets today; creating memories beyond what money could buy.

Vintage Concert Ticket Prices

“In 1976, fans could watch Bruce Springsteen … for just under eight bucks … Elton John shows in ’75 could be $10 or less … Elvis Costello in ’77 just $5.”
— Verified by Marketplace, July 8, 2024

Other References