Ticketmaster, the largest ticket sales and distribution company, has faced scrutiny in recent weeks over excessive fees and dynamic pricing on tickets for The Cure’s 2023 tour. After pressure from fans and The Cure frontman Robert Smith himself, Ticketmaster announced it would offer some refunds on sold-out shows. However, details on the refunds remain unclear.
Robert Smith called out Ticketmaster last month, saying he was “appalled” at dynamic pricing that led to tickets costing $500-$600 each. Fans were outraged at fees that sometimes exceeded the base ticket price.
While Ticketmaster has not backed down from dynamic pricing, the company said this week it would offer “select number of fans” a chance to get refunded tickets for 20 of The Cure’s 40 scheduled North American shows this year. Refunds are expected to be available for a “limited time” starting next week.
Background on Ticketmaster and The Cure Tour
Ticketmaster is a ticket sales and distribution company that was formed in 1976 and merged with Live Nation in 2010. The combined Live Nation-Ticketmaster company sells 500 million tickets per year and has a dominant market share in the U.S. and globally.
The Cure is embarking on a worldwide tour in 2023 to celebrate the band’s 45th anniversary. It will be The Cure’s first North American tour since 2016.
When tickets went on sale last November, many dates quickly sold out due to high demand. On resale sites, tickets were being resold for thousands of dollars per ticket due to limited supply.
Fans hoping to buy tickets from Ticketmaster directly faced dynamic pricing, which adjusts prices based on demand. As a result, some tickets cost $500-$600 each – exponentially higher than the $25-$150 face value price.
In a recent tweet, Robert Smith called the move by Ticketmaster “disgraceful” and said the band had no control over dynamic pricing.
Example Ticket Price Data
| City | Venue | Original Price Range | Current Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | Madison Square Garden | $49.50-$150 | $325-$600 |
| Chicago | United Center | $49.50-$150 | $175-$400 |
| Los Angeles | Hollywood Bowl | $25-$99.50 | $125-$500 |
Details on Ticketmaster’s Refund Offer
In response to criticism, Ticketmaster said this week it would allow refunds on a “select number of tickets” for 20 of The Cure’s North American shows.
The statement said fans will be emailed if they are eligible for a refund. Refunds are expected to be available for a “limited time” starting next week.
So far, Ticketmaster has not provided specifics on exactly how many tickets will be refunded per show or how recipients will be selected. It remains unclear what percentage of tickets sold this will represent.
Ticketmaster’s statement said “most of the shows are sold out” with “very limited ticket availability.” This suggests the number of refunded tickets may be relatively small compared to total demand.
The refund offers only apply to North American dates. Tickets sold for The Cure’s Europe, Australia, and New Zealand concerts are not eligible.
List of Eligible North American Dates
| October 6 – Toronto, ON |
| October 7 – Toronto, ON |
| October 11 – New York, NY |
| October 13 – New York, NY |
| October 14 – New York, NY |
| October 17 – Boston, MA |
| October 18 – Boston, MA |
| October 20 – Chicago, IL |
| October 22 – Chicago, IL |
| October 23 – Chicago, IL |
| October 26 – Los Angeles, CA |
| October 27 – Los Angeles, CA |
| October 29 – Los Angeles, CA |
| November 1 – San Francisco, CA |
| November 9 – Houston, TX |
| November 11 – Dallas, TX |
| November 13 – Denver, CO |
| November 16 – Las Vegas, NV |
| November 19 – Phoenix, AZ |
Response from The Cure and Fans
The Cure have not made any direct public statements about Ticketmaster’s refund offer. However, fans speculate the band may have pressured the company behind the scenes.
In recent interviews, Robert Smith has voiced his displeasure with Ticketmaster. He told the Los Angeles Times “I’m appalled…the band has no control” over excessive fees.
Many fans have voiced complaints online about being unable to get refunds previously from Ticketmaster. The company has a “no refunds” policy for sold out shows unless the event is canceled.
Some fans are skeptical that Ticketmaster’s limited refund offer will make a real difference, given the huge demand for tickets. Others are hopeful they may be selected and get the opportunity to buy tickets again at normal prices.
In general, the response seems mixed – some are applauding Ticketmaster for budging at all, while others continue to criticize the company’s practices.
Ticketmaster’s Reputation and Legal Issues
This controversy has added to ongoing criticism of Ticketmaster over its fees, market dominance, and resale policies.
Ticketmaster faces numerous lawsuits over accusations of monopolistic practices. Plaintiffs argue its 2010 merger with Live Nation gave the company too much control over the live events industry.
In 2019, the U.S. Department of Justice reopened its investigation into antitrust violations by Live Nation-Ticketmaster. Further action has not yet been taken.
Some musicians and politicians have boycotted or spoken out against Ticketmaster, including Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, and Bernie Sanders.
However, many artists and venues are dependent on using Ticketmaster for distribution since it has such a large market share. The Cure is relying on the company for its current tour.
While Ticketmaster has provided some refunds on Cure tickets, this has not resolved ongoing controversies and investigations into the company’s business practices.
Conclusion
Ticketmaster’s limited ticket refund offer for select Cure shows follows outrage over high fees and dynamic pricing. However, key details remain unclear, and the number of refunded tickets will likely pale compared to total demand.
The move may be an effort to mollify critics, including Cure frontman Robert Smith. But controversy continues over Ticketmaster’s hold on the ticket industry, service fees, and resale policies.
Some fans are cautiously optimistic they may get refunds and a second chance at face value tickets. Still, skepticism remains high regarding how meaningful the refunds will be.
It’s uncertain whether The Cure will take further action on ticket policies for future tours. For now, Ticketmaster maintains primary control over distribution for the band’s upcoming anniversary shows.
While the refund announcement shows a bit of compromise, it does not signal fundamental changes to Ticketmaster’s dominant position and pricing model. Ongoing legal action and criticism seem likely to continue despite this gesture of goodwill to Cure fans.