What’s the average price of a Rolling Stones concert ticket?

The Rolling Stones are one of the most iconic and legendary rock bands of all time. For over 50 years, they have been touring the world and playing their classic hits to millions of devoted fans. Concert tickets to see Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and the rest of the band have always been highly coveted and can be quite expensive. But just how much does it cost on average to see The Rolling Stones live in concert today?

The Rolling Stones Ticket Prices Over the Years

The Rolling Stones first started touring in 1963, just a year after they formed. Back then, concert tickets were very cheap compared to today. Their early shows in 1963 and 1964 had tickets that cost just £1 to £2, which would be around £20 to £40 or $25 to $50 in today’s money when adjusted for inflation. As the 1960s went on and they became more popular, prices gradually increased but were still affordable. In 1965, tickets cost about £3 or £60/$75 today. By the late 60s during their peak period, prices for Stones tickets ranged from £5-10 or £100-£200/$125-$250 now.

During the 1970s, as the band continued touring stadiums and arenas, the price of admission continued to rise. Average ticket prices through the 70s were between £10-15 or £100-£150/$125-$190 today. By the end of the decade, some ticket prices had reached £20 or about £100/$125 when adjusted. The early 1980s saw tickets in the £20-25 range, with an average closer to £80/$100 now.

After taking time off from touring for parts of the 1980s, The Rolling Stones hit the road again in 1989 for their Steel Wheels Tour. For this tour, the average ticket price was around £28 or £70/$90 today. Prices continued to climb through the 90s, ranging between £30-60 per ticket or £60-£120/$75-$150 now. By the end of the 90s, some prime seats were going for over £100 or £200/$250 adjusted.

Once the 2000s hit, Rolling Stones ticket prices really started to skyrocket, reflecting their status as rock legends. For their Licks Tour in 2002, average tickets cost £60-£90 or £100-£150/$125-$190 today. By 2005’s A Bigger Bang Tour, prices averaged £70-£120 per ticket, which equals £100-£170/$125-$215 now. For big shows in large stadiums or arenas, the most expensive front row or VIP seats were reaching over £200 or £280/$350 in today’s money.

The trend continued into the 2010s, as demand increased and venues got bigger. Ticket prices for their 50 & Counting Tour in 2012-2013 averaged £95-£195, which is £110-£220 or $140-$280 now. For their most recent No Filter Tour from 2017 to 2022, prices have ranged from £140 on average up to £450 for VIP packages, around £150-£480/$190-$600 today.

Average Rolling Stones Ticket Prices by Decade

As we can see from the table, Rolling Stones ticket prices have steadily increased over time, from just a few pounds in the 60s to several hundred pounds today for the best seats. When adjusted for inflation, the increase is significant but less drastic, going from around $25-50 in the 1960s to $125-250 in the 70s and 80s. By the 2000s and 2010s, average prices have ranged from $125 to over $600 in today’s money.

Factors Impacting Rolling Stones Ticket Prices

There are several key factors that have driven up Rolling Stones concert ticket prices over the past 50+ years:

• Inflation – Overall rising prices over time naturally account for some of the increase.
• Increased fame and legend status – As the band became more popular and iconic, demand increased.
• Bigger venues – Stadium shows with 50,000+ fans mean higher gross revenue.
• Production costs – Larger, more advanced stages, lights and video raise expenses.
• Scarcity – Less frequent tours in recent decades increases demand.
• Secondary market – Resellers and speculative buying drive up resale prices.
• VIP packages – Perks like meet & greets, premium seats, merch and more are added revenue.

While inflation accounts for some natural price growth, other factors like their legend status causing more demand and bigger productions leading to higher costs are the primary reasons Rolling Stones ticket prices have risen so dramatically. Their rare tours now versus prolific touring in the 60s and 70s also impacts supply and demand economics. And secondary resellers buying up tickets has become a big factor more recently as well.

Average Ticket Prices for Other Legendary Bands

To compare the Rolling Stones ticket prices to other iconic bands from their era, here are the average ticket costs for concerts by a few other legendary acts still touring today:

• Paul McCartney – £120-£400 or $150-$500 average.
• The Who – £80-£200 or $100-$250 average.
• Eagles – £80-£300 or $100-$375 average.
• Elton John – £80-£240 or $100-$300 average.
• Jimmy Buffett – £50-£100 or $60-$125 average.

So the Stones are on the higher end but comparable to McCartney and The Eagles. Their average ticket costs are higher than The Who and Elton John by a bit. And someone like Buffett is much cheaper on average still. This reflects how the Rolling Stones are considered the greatest rock and roll band ever by many fans and critics, keeping demand extremely high to see them.

How Much Are Rolling Stones Tickets for Their Next Tour?

The Rolling Stones have not announced any upcoming concerts or tours at this time. Their most recent tour was the No Filter Tour which ran from 2017-2021. It was originally scheduled to end in July 2020 but was pushed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The tour concluded on November 20, 2021 in Austin, TX.

When they do tour again, fans can expect average ticket prices to be in line with their last few tours, likely starting around £150-£200 or $190-$250 for lower level seating up to over £400 or $500+ for VIP and premium packages. Of course if it’s a special occasion tour, like a 50th anniversary or farewell tour, prices could be higher. While expensive, devoted Stones fans continue to show they are willing to pay top dollar to see rock’s greatest band.

Tips for Getting Rolling Stones Tickets for Less

Here are some tips to get cheaper Rolling Stones tickets, even for sold out shows:

• Buy general admission or upper level seats – You’ll have the worst view but pay a fraction of floor or lower level seats.
• Join the fan club – Fan club members get access to presale ticket windows before the general public.
• Buy in groups – Groups of 4+ tickets often get discounts compared to individual sales.
• Buy a ticket package – Bundled packages with hotel, merchandise or other perks can be cheaper per ticket.
• Wait until last minute – Prices tend to drop leading up to shows as sellers panic.
• Go on stubhub/resale sites – Sort by lowest price and be flexible on sections.

Using strategies like these, you may be able to score tickets for 50-75% less than the most expensive options. You’ll have to compromise on seat location or extras, but can still get in the door to see the legendary Stones live.

Are Expensive Tickets Worth It for Rolling Stones Fans?

Only the most passionate Rolling Stones fans are willing to pay several hundred dollars or more per ticket these days. Are the expensive ticket prices worth it? Here are some pros and cons to weigh for superfans deciding if it’s worth shelling out big money to see the band:

Pros of Paying More

• Seeing them before they retire – There may not be many tours left.
• Best seats & views – Floor seats or front rows give an immersive view.
• Exclusive extras – VIP perks like meet & greets, lounge access, merch, etc. are special additions.
• All-inclusive packages – Bundles with hotels, transportation, activities can be convenient.
• Die-hard fandom – Some fans will pay almost anything to see their all-time favorite band.

Cons of Paying More

• Expensive – Several hundred dollars is a lot for 2-3 hour show.
• Limited budget – Most people don’t have concert funds taking up a big portion of income.
• Age of band – Mick Jagger is nearly 80, so energy and performance levels may be lower.
• Few new songs – Set lists heavily focus on classics rather than fresh material.
• Can get resold cheaper – Stubhub prices can possibly be 25-50% less.

Superfans who view seeing their favorite band of all time as a once-in-a-lifetime experience will find value in paying a premium, especially for the best seats and VIP extras. More casual fans on a budget will likely determine the high ticket costs aren’t worth it.

Should You Buy Rolling Stones Tickets from Resellers?

Ticket resellers and secondary markets like StubHub are an option for buying tickets, sometimes at lower than face value prices. However, there are some risks to be aware of:

• Fake tickets – Getting scammed with invalid or fake tickets is possible.
• Inflated fees – Reseller fees can negate any discounted ticket price.
• Hidden costs – Read fine print for any extra charges added during checkout.
• Worse seats – Resellers often have less desirable seat locations.
• Cancelations – No guarantee a listing will be available up until the event.

Reputable resellers like StubHub do have buyer guarantees and fraud protection. But fees and service charges can still make reseller tickets nearly as expensive as buying directly from the venue or promoter. Fake ticket scams also happen, so buyer beware.

Major Factors in Future Rolling Stones Ticket Prices

It remains to be seen how much Rolling Stones tickets will cost when they tour again. But here are some major factors that will impact future prices:

• Size of venues – Stadium shows allow more fans and revenue but have higher costs.
• Level of demand – How sold out and scarce tickets are will raise prices.
• Retirement speculation – If fans think it’s their last tour, demand and prices will spike.
• Special occasions – Big anniversary or guest artist shows could increase prices.
• Production scale – Bigger stages, video displays, light shows raise costs.
• Ticket master deals – Contracts with Ticketmaster or other vendors factor in fees.
• Economy – Inflation, recessions, consumer spending impact what fans will pay.

Ultimately supply and demand determines market pricing. If it’s an epic farewell tour or special show, expect huge demand. If they do smaller venues or more dates, prices may be contained. Factors like their production, promoters, and vendors as well as macroeconomic trends will also sway prices up or down.

Conclusion

In their six decades touring the world, The Rolling Stones have gone from small club shows costing the equivalent of $25 to major stadium productions running fans hundreds of dollars for the best seats. While inflation plays a role, their growing fame, more advanced productions, and sporadic touring schedule have together made Stones tickets a hot, scarce commodity that fans now have to pay a premium for. Given their status as rock legends and enduring popularity, demand remains high to see Mick, Keith and the band live one more time – making the lofty ticket prices worthwhile for their biggest devotees.