Prices are HIGHER on this tour...
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TCalabrese:
I started this post and just to clarify. An artist like McCartney has absolute last say on ticket prices and any issue. As for the poster that says Billy Joel keeps ticket prices down for fans, I really respect that. To clarify, horrible seats, that don't even give you a full view of the stage sell for $175. Seats three tiers up sell for $375. Floor seats you need a mortgage. The Beatle of the people is not the Beatle of the elite. John would be singing "how do you sleep at night". I always liked McCartney's songs better but loved Lennon's values better. By the way, as he gets older he should charge less. Every year his voice loses more. At the Olympics he was horrible. Each appearance is worse. What you are paying to see is an ICON of the past. Like paying $1,000 to see the Mona Lisa up close. Paul, what the heck are you doing?
It is all about money now to Paul. When I look at how far back the gold tickets go, it's a shame. Right now in Memphis, they are in Row P. I wouldn't even buy a $250 ticket on the floor in Row P, let alone $650. I did my bucket list sound check in St. Louis. Will be the only one I ever do. I was at Citifield and sat in two totally different sections. Both nights, the seats were terrible and were not cheap. Paul does not need to be making most of the floor part of the VIP packages. It's greedy on his part. Yes, I'm paying for a Gold package in Memphis, but no more packages this time. Somebody said ticket are $15000. Not from Paul. Scalpers maybe. The packages start at $2000. In 2010, it was possible to get decent seats for $250. What happened to cause most of the floor to be part of a package?
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crazygina18:
I wouldn't say the "rich", but those who are not terribly financially burdened. Obviously, to score a great floor ticket within the first 10 rows, you have to be able to fork out 15 grand easily.. even more money to pay out if you are going as a couple and buying a pair of tickets. It's quite frustrating and disappointing that just 6-7 years ago, these same seats were going for the standard $250 and some luck during ticket sales. Back then, I was just a high school/college student who couldn't afford that, and kept telling myself "one day". Now, that "one-day" is here, I can afford the $250 tickets, but it's still not going to get me a good up-front seat. I'm no less of a fan than those dishing out the thousands to get up close in front of the stage, but I simply cannot invest that money into one show with all my other expenses. It's almost a tease going to the shows and seeing everyone having a great time up front while they are interacting with Paul! I am quite happy for them, and they've worked hard to pay for those tickets, but I wish so badly I could partake in that enjoyment at just 1 concert in my lifetime!! I keep finding myself saying "one-day, I'll get VIP", but there's always that uncertainty..especially when you don't know if it's the last tour or not.. and the likihood of those VIP prices going up even more in the years to come, should Paul continue to tour!
Not 15 grand, 15 hundred! LOL!
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About 15 years ago Garth Brooks did a farewell tour. He mandated tickets cost $40 a ticket, NO MATTER where you sat. First come, first serve basis. He did three shows in Albuquerque at the 11,000 seat Tingley Coliseum. I took my wife and he put on a hell of a show, no screens or computers, just a stage with ramps and great lighting and sound. There is NO WAY Garth Brooks can control ticket prices to his concert, but Paul McCartney can't. Paul enjoys playing, and I suspect he never lost that spark of competition, which he probably should lose, since he has nothing to prove. McCartney still sees getting as much money as you can as an aspect of self worth, his place in the business, competing with Mick and Justin Timberlake, etc. Promoters and/or his management tell him "We can get you $2 million a show." And he says, "Go and do that." When a place like Horsens or Las Cruces don't measure up to that, Paul may never even hear about it. But he should be in tune enough to realize that he has played most of the markets he is hitting on this tour, and that there are many he has yet to play. Paul could certainly say "Book me in Horsens. I'll take a pay cut for a night and only make $500,000 for myself." To be fair maybe Paul does do that more often than we know. But I have seen Paul eight times and loved every show. I saw him up close in Boulder and in Las Vegas, and even got to see him in my home state of New Mexico once. And I will go and pay top dollar if he comes to New Mexico again. If not, I have seen my last Paul McCartney concert in person.
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.... makes me kinda sad reading this cos,.. we have posted threads here for years "please lower the ticket prices" I sorta agree and after being on the floor near the front you kinda feel spoiled.. cos it's a totally diff experience.. there... and you want to try fr those seats time and again... this tour now, I'm in debt because of the gigs I'm attending.. ops: in Vegas ..don't remember what year that was? I was in back of the floor and that tix alone was $250 years ago... oh, I can go on.. I have spent money on tix.. where the seats were poor.. what justifies those monies over $250 for rows 20 plus on... the Hollywood Bowl was no better either ha! sat at the end where the bleachers began and weren't those seats $250- $350? damnit, this thread is bumming me out~ cos there is a lining of truth to it.. what the regular board members have been saying for years~ ops: "LOWER THE TICKET PRICES" This will be my best summer ever, besides seeing Paul in Liverpool 2003 most of the gigs I'm going for "Out There" is on the card.. I did pay for 2 in Europe off.., this tour is costing me .. $$$$$ but when does a fan put the breaks on and say " Hey I'm paying too much in tix travel hotels eats and what nots"? some of us have paid $1ooo's & $1000's & $1000's for tix travel etc..... and a handful are not rich.... some have extra cash.. or save like hell.. or do without for months to do this!~ sad awwwwwww
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RMartinez:
About 15 years ago Garth Brooks did a farewell tour. He mandated tickets cost $40 a ticket, NO MATTER where you sat. First come, first serve basis. He did three shows in Albuquerque at the 11,000 seat Tingley Coliseum. I took my wife and he put on a hell of a show, no screens or computers, just a stage with ramps and great lighting and sound. There is NO WAY Garth Brooks can control ticket prices to his concert, but Paul McCartney can't. Paul enjoys playing, and I suspect he never lost that spark of competition, which he probably should lose, since he has nothing to prove. McCartney still sees getting as much money as you can as an aspect of self worth, his place in the business, competing with Mick and Justin Timberlake, etc. Promoters and/or his management tell him "We can get you $2 million a show." And he says, "Go and do that." When a place like Horsens or Las Cruces don't measure up to that, Paul may never even hear about it. But he should be in tune enough to realize that he has played most of the markets he is hitting on this tour, and that there are many he has yet to play. Paul could certainly say "Book me in Horsens. I'll take a pay cut for a night and only make $500,000 for myself." And I will go and pay top dollar if he comes to New Mexico again. If not, I have seen my last Paul McCartney concert in person.
Funny that I remember Garth saying "I have more money than my grandchildren's grandchildren could ever spend." THAT is really something to think about...and maybe Paul should think about it too.
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TCalabrese:
I started this post and just to clarify. An artist like McCartney has absolute last say on ticket prices and any issue. As for the poster that says Billy Joel keeps ticket prices down for fans, I really respect that. To clarify, horrible seats, that don't even give you a full view of the stage sell for $175. Seats three tiers up sell for $375. Floor seats you need a mortgage. The Beatle of the people is not the Beatle of the elite. John would be singing "how do you sleep at night". I always liked McCartney's songs better but loved Lennon's values better. By the way, as he gets older he should charge less. Every year his voice loses more. At the Olympics he was horrible. Each appearance is worse. What you are paying to see is an ICON of the past. Like paying $1,000 to see the Mona Lisa up close. Paul, what the heck are you doing?
Wher do seats 3 tiers up cost $375?? I admit the VIP seats have got out of hand but upper seats do not cost $300 + I bought memphis and indy tickets this year upper lwvwl at both shows were less than $100. I bought lower level 2nd row seats in memphis close to stage for $250 got upper level full view tickets in indy for $59. Not too bad to see Paul IMO. And as far as his voice it really depends on the day I think. Yes he stuggled at the olympics but in st. Louis he was vocally great and also sounded good at the concert for Sandy. Paul is a performer and puts on a spectacular show. He is one of the best in the business.
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TCalabrese:
I started this post and just to clarify. An artist like McCartney has absolute last say on ticket prices and any issue. As for the poster that says Billy Joel keeps ticket prices down for fans, I really respect that. To clarify, horrible seats, that don't even give you a full view of the stage sell for $175. Seats three tiers up sell for $375. Floor seats you need a mortgage. The Beatle of the people is not the Beatle of the elite. John would be singing "how do you sleep at night". I always liked McCartney's songs better but loved Lennon's values better. By the way, as he gets older he should charge less. Every year his voice loses more. At the Olympics he was horrible. Each appearance is worse. What you are paying to see is an ICON of the past. Like paying $1,000 to see the Mona Lisa up close. Paul, what the heck are you doing?
John's values? Right. Because John Lennon -- living in eight apartments in the most expensive city in the world, with a room filled with furs for Yoko, who gave his first wife peanuts in their divorce settlement -- was not at all into making money. : : I'm sorry you didn't get the seats you wanted for the price you wanted to pay. But if you feel that way about Paul's performances, perhaps you shouldn't go. You're attacking him for being money conscious but you're doing the same thing -- guarding your own money and expecting him to accommodate you. Paul's concerts are still affordable. There are/were plenty of $50 tickets available to Paul's upcoming shows. $50 is reasonable. It's just you don't like the $50 seats. You want something of value for nothing, or as next to nothing as you can get. For comparison purposes, people paid $5 in 1965 to see the Beatles play in Shea Stadium for 30 minutes with no screens and a lousy sound system. No one got close up. No one got near them. The Beatles were tiny specks on a field and you couldn't hear the music. Adjusted for inflation in 2013, that ticket would cost about $36 nowadays -- for 30 minutes of music you couldn't hear by a performer you couldn't see. Today for $50, Paul still is a speck but he's visible on giant screens, he plays for nearly 3 hours and the sound system is awesome. That seems like a pretty good deal to me for $50. Complaining that you can't afford his VIP ticket prices is like complaining that you can't afford a jaguar. I can't afford them either. That's life.
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Michelley:
TCalabrese:
I started this post and just to clarify. An artist like McCartney has absolute last say on ticket prices and any issue. As for the poster that says Billy Joel keeps ticket prices down for fans, I really respect that. To clarify, horrible seats, that don't even give you a full view of the stage sell for $175. Seats three tiers up sell for $375. Floor seats you need a mortgage. The Beatle of the people is not the Beatle of the elite. John would be singing "how do you sleep at night". I always liked McCartney's songs better but loved Lennon's values better. By the way, as he gets older he should charge less. Every year his voice loses more. At the Olympics he was horrible. Each appearance is worse. What you are paying to see is an ICON of the past. Like paying $1,000 to see the Mona Lisa up close. Paul, what the heck are you doing?
John's values? Right. Because John Lennon -- living in eight apartments in the most expensive city in the world, with a room filled with furs for Yoko, who gave his first wife peanuts in their divorce settlement -- was not at all into making money. : : I'm sorry you didn't get the seats you wanted for the price you wanted to pay. But if you feel that way about Paul's performances, perhaps you shouldn't go. You're attacking him for being money conscious but you're doing the same thing -- guarding your own money and expecting him to accommodate you. Paul's concerts are still affordable. There are/were plenty of $50 tickets available to Paul's upcoming shows. $50 is reasonable. It's just you don't like the $50 seats. You want something of value for nothing, or as next to nothing as you can get. For comparison purposes, people paid $5 in 1965 to see the Beatles play in Shea Stadium for 30 minutes with no screens and a lousy sound system. No one got close up. No one got near them. The Beatles were tiny specks on a field and you couldn't hear the music. Adjusted for inflation in 2013, that ticket would cost about $36 nowadays -- for 30 minutes of music you couldn't hear by a performer you couldn't see. Today for $50, Paul still is a speck but he's visible on giant screens, he plays for nearly 3 hours and the sound system is awesome. That seems like a pretty good deal to me for $50. Complaining that you can't afford his VIP ticket prices is like complaining that you can't afford a jaguar. I can't afford them either. That's life.
Ooo Michelley!
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crazygina18:
I wouldn't say the "rich", but those who are not terribly financially burdened. Obviously, to score a great floor ticket within the first 10 rows, you have to be able to fork out 15 grand easily.. even more money to pay out if you are going as a couple and buying a pair of tickets. It's quite frustrating and disappointing that just 6-7 years ago, these same seats were going for the standard $250 and some luck during ticket sales. Back then, I was just a high school/college student who couldn't afford that, and kept telling myself "one day". Now, that "one-day" is here, I can afford the $250 tickets, but it's still not going to get me a good up-front seat. I'm no less of a fan than those dishing out the thousands to get up close in front of the stage, but I simply cannot invest that money into one show with all my other expenses. It's almost a tease going to the shows and seeing everyone having a great time up front while they are interacting with Paul! I am quite happy for them, and they've worked hard to pay for those tickets, but I wish so badly I could partake in that enjoyment at just 1 concert in my lifetime!! I keep finding myself saying "one-day, I'll get VIP", but there's always that uncertainty..especially when you don't know if it's the last tour or not.. and the likihood of those VIP prices going up even more in the years to come, should Paul continue to tour!
I got 7th row for Paul's show in DC and paid no where near 15 grand, so not sure where that number is coming from. Each ticket was under 1000 too I will honestly say though, I saved up a long time to get main floor tickets. Started saving as soon as rumors started about a possible tour this year.
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Public Space:
hengirl:
The prices are seemingly extreme thats for sure at what point do fans say to hell with it and not bother?
At this point. I won't go anymore for these prices, especially having seen him 10 times. I'd love to but I don't need to and those prices are now prohibitive for me. But I also speak as someone who saw him in rehearsal from the second row at the tiny Lyceum Theatre in NYC, and up close in Fenway and Wrigley. I'm satisfied.
Same for me I saw him in the sound check (not paying) in Montevideo last year, and this time I can't afford the price of Brazil, add I have to travel from Chile to Brazil, I couldn't...I hope his Out There...could come to Chile or Argentina next year or the end of 2013
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Nancy R:
crazygina18:
I wouldn't say the "rich", but those who are not terribly financially burdened. Obviously, to score a great floor ticket within the first 10 rows, you have to be able to fork out 15 grand easily.. even more money to pay out if you are going as a couple and buying a pair of tickets. It's quite frustrating and disappointing that just 6-7 years ago, these same seats were going for the standard $250 and some luck during ticket sales. Back then, I was just a high school/college student who couldn't afford that, and kept telling myself "one day". Now, that "one-day" is here, I can afford the $250 tickets, but it's still not going to get me a good up-front seat. I'm no less of a fan than those dishing out the thousands to get up close in front of the stage, but I simply cannot invest that money into one show with all my other expenses. It's almost a tease going to the shows and seeing everyone having a great time up front while they are interacting with Paul! I am quite happy for them, and they've worked hard to pay for those tickets, but I wish so badly I could partake in that enjoyment at just 1 concert in my lifetime!! I keep finding myself saying "one-day, I'll get VIP", but there's always that uncertainty..especially when you don't know if it's the last tour or not.. and the likihood of those VIP prices going up even more in the years to come, should Paul continue to tour!
Not 15 grand, 15 hundred! LOL!
wow big typo on my part earlier! lol thanks for catching that
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paulfan11:
crazygina18:
I wouldn't say the "rich", but those who are not terribly financially burdened. Obviously, to score a great floor ticket within the first 10 rows, you have to be able to fork out 15 grand easily.. even more money to pay out if you are going as a couple and buying a pair of tickets. It's quite frustrating and disappointing that just 6-7 years ago, these same seats were going for the standard $250 and some luck during ticket sales. Back then, I was just a high school/college student who couldn't afford that, and kept telling myself "one day". Now, that "one-day" is here, I can afford the $250 tickets, but it's still not going to get me a good up-front seat. I'm no less of a fan than those dishing out the thousands to get up close in front of the stage, but I simply cannot invest that money into one show with all my other expenses. It's almost a tease going to the shows and seeing everyone having a great time up front while they are interacting with Paul! I am quite happy for them, and they've worked hard to pay for those tickets, but I wish so badly I could partake in that enjoyment at just 1 concert in my lifetime!! I keep finding myself saying "one-day, I'll get VIP", but there's always that uncertainty..especially when you don't know if it's the last tour or not.. and the likihood of those VIP prices going up even more in the years to come, should Paul continue to tour!
I got 7th row for Paul's show in DC and paid no where near 15 grand, so not sure where that number is coming from. Each ticket was under 1000 too I will honestly say though, I saved up a long time to get main floor tickets. Started saving as soon as rumors started about a possible tour this year.
I meant $1,500. Made a typo while writing that on my phone at work today, lol. I usually save for Paul's tour also. Actually, I did save this year, what I could. With getting married, buying a house, and starting a new job all in one year, many would say I'm insane for going to see Paul the same summer of all of that! I'm dedicated and won't miss a tour in the states! But I'm pretty sure even just 1 show with $300 seats is going to make me struggle a bit this year! I just wish that all close floor seats were not part of the VIP packages.. like it was in 2002 and even up through the US Tour! I totally understand that you get the soundcheck and special privileges with some of the VIP tix, but blocking all close floor sections off to those price ranges is a bit extreme!
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oobu24:
RMartinez:
About 15 years ago Garth Brooks did a farewell tour. He mandated tickets cost $40 a ticket, NO MATTER where you sat. First come, first serve basis. He did three shows in Albuquerque at the 11,000 seat Tingley Coliseum. I took my wife and he put on a hell of a show, no screens or computers, just a stage with ramps and great lighting and sound. There is NO WAY Garth Brooks can control ticket prices to his concert, but Paul McCartney can't. Paul enjoys playing, and I suspect he never lost that spark of competition, which he probably should lose, since he has nothing to prove. McCartney still sees getting as much money as you can as an aspect of self worth, his place in the business, competing with Mick and Justin Timberlake, etc. Promoters and/or his management tell him "We can get you $2 million a show." And he says, "Go and do that." When a place like Horsens or Las Cruces don't measure up to that, Paul may never even hear about it. But he should be in tune enough to realize that he has played most of the markets he is hitting on this tour, and that there are many he has yet to play. Paul could certainly say "Book me in Horsens. I'll take a pay cut for a night and only make $500,000 for myself." And I will go and pay top dollar if he comes to New Mexico again. If not, I have seen my last Paul McCartney concert in person.
Funny that I remember Garth saying "I have more money than my grandchildren's grandchildren could ever spend." THAT is really something to think about...and maybe Paul should think about it too.
wow! nicely said.....
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I won't "save" for any concert. It's a CONCERT, not some life experience you should have to save for months or years to experience! Get real. I "save" to buy a car. I "save" to take my wife to Europe. If I have to "save" to go to a concert by ANY artist, sorry, it ain't gonna happen.
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I've been lucky to have seen him twice in my life. Once more would be great but if it is totally out of my range then I will wait for the inevitible cd/dvd combo. If I can't see hime again then I just get a pizza, some drinks and my seat at home and I have the best seat. Put on the dvd and I'm there.
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crazygina18:
paulfan11:
crazygina18:
I wouldn't say the "rich", but those who are not terribly financially burdened. Obviously, to score a great floor ticket within the first 10 rows, you have to be able to fork out 15 grand easily.. even more money to pay out if you are going as a couple and buying a pair of tickets. It's quite frustrating and disappointing that just 6-7 years ago, these same seats were going for the standard $250 and some luck during ticket sales. Back then, I was just a high school/college student who couldn't afford that, and kept telling myself "one day". Now, that "one-day" is here, I can afford the $250 tickets, but it's still not going to get me a good up-front seat. I'm no less of a fan than those dishing out the thousands to get up close in front of the stage, but I simply cannot invest that money into one show with all my other expenses. It's almost a tease going to the shows and seeing everyone having a great time up front while they are interacting with Paul! I am quite happy for them, and they've worked hard to pay for those tickets, but I wish so badly I could partake in that enjoyment at just 1 concert in my lifetime!! I keep finding myself saying "one-day, I'll get VIP", but there's always that uncertainty..especially when you don't know if it's the last tour or not.. and the likihood of those VIP prices going up even more in the years to come, should Paul continue to tour!
I got 7th row for Paul's show in DC and paid no where near 15 grand, so not sure where that number is coming from. Each ticket was under 1000 too I will honestly say though, I saved up a long time to get main floor tickets. Started saving as soon as rumors started about a possible tour this year.
I meant $1,500. Made a typo while writing that on my phone at work today, lol. I usually save for Paul's tour also. Actually, I did save this year, what I could. With getting married, buying a house, and starting a new job all in one year, many would say I'm insane for going to see Paul the same summer of all of that! I'm dedicated and won't miss a tour in the states! But I'm pretty sure even just 1 show with $300 seats is going to make me struggle a bit this year! I just wish that all close floor seats were not part of the VIP packages.. like it was in 2002 and even up through the US Tour! I totally understand that you get the soundcheck and special privileges with some of the VIP tix, but blocking all close floor sections off to those price ranges is a bit extreme!
Gotcha about the 15 grand typo! Oh I understand what you are saying! That was me for a while last year when I got laid off from my job! I thankfully have a wonderful job that I really like, but yes, it gets tough when you have all those things happen at once.
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RMartinez:
I won't "save" for any concert. It's a CONCERT, not some life experience you should have to save for months or years to experience! Get real. I "save" to buy a car. I "save" to take my wife to Europe. If I have to "save" to go to a concert by ANY artist, sorry, it ain't gonna happen.
Well if that's how it is for you, that's fine. I wanted to be able to sit up very close for at least one Paul concert in my lifetime, so I put money aside in my own little "Paul fund" now and then so I could do that. I don't usually spend a lot of money all at once, most of mine, that aren't for bills, food etc. is put aside for savings.
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edcrawf:
I've been lucky to have seen him twice in my life. Once more would be great but if it is totally out of my range then I will wait for the inevitible cd/dvd combo. If I can't see hime again then I just get a pizza, some drinks and my seat at home and I have the best seat. Put on the dvd and I'm there.
Thank you for such a sensible response. THIS is exactly what I mean.
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A great deal of misinformation in this thread... Billy Joel's most recent US tour in 2006, tickets were around $85-$95 for the most part. And when he used to do those 'Face to Face' tours with Elton John, most tickets were around $175. Yes, Garth Brooks did some special shows recently at around $35-$40 a ticket. Yet, did you catch any of the shows he did at Wynn Las Vegas during the last few years? All those shows were $250 each. Yes, it was a small venue, but still..... Yes, Paul has the highly expensive package seats which cater to the wealthiest. (and Paul is hardly the only artist doing pricey VIP packages! Nearly every major touring artist offers them, these days!) But i'd reckon the percentage of those VIP package seats is a rather small slice of the overall venue. Excluding Barclays, these shows mostly have a base price (ie before surcharges) of $250ish for the top price. Which is what his top price had been since 2002! Granted, there are fewer available in the Price 2, 3, and 4 levels than there used to be, but whatever. $250 ($285 after fees) is still a lot of money, but he's still cheaper than Madonna and the Stones (whose 'regular' non-VIP tickets are $600 each!) Even Lady Gaga charges $175 each! So put it in that context and perhaps it's not so bad.... I'll be in Floor 1, row B in Orlando, and I got mine for the regular non-VIP price of $570 total for the pair. That's 2nd row floor to the stage. Thanks Crowdsurge!
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Thought the responses to my original post were really good. Everyone made some great points. I also realize that there are different prices in different cities. NYC is the most expensive. However, there is a huge difference this time around in ticket sales. In NYC in past all McCartney tickets have sold out in hours. This time around he has two concert dates in NYC and days later you can get plenty of tickets for both nights. They just are too expensive. I saw 5 of his shows and I really admire him. But in todays world it is just too much. I have three daughters that I sent to college and all three have loans. Before I spend money on a concert I would have to help pay back their loans. By the way to the one poster, I was correct in that in Brooklyn the tickets three tiers up sell for $350. That is disgusting. Like I said, Lennon would sing, "how do you sleep at night". To the poster that said Lennon had a huge apartment and spent money on Yoko furs, that's alright. He still wouldn't do this to fans. I was always a McCartney fan and thought the person who sang about 'silly love songs' was a romantic at heart. I was wrong. He wrote songs pretty melodies that would sell. Lennon had the heart. Never thought I would think that.