Neil Young Bans ‘Platinum’ Tickets for Future Tours After Robert Smith’s Insight

Neil Young has decided to stop selling 'Platinum' tickets for his future tours, inspired by The Cure's Robert Smith's comments on ticket pricing.

Neil Young’s Commitment to Fair Ticket Pricing

In a move that resonates deeply with fans, Neil Young has vowed to discontinue the sale of ‘Platinum’ tickets in his forthcoming tours. This decision comes after a powerful influence from The Cure’s Robert Smith, who shared his thoughts on ticket pricing and its implications for fans.

The 'Platinum' tickets are often employed by outlets like Ticketmaster, aiming to deter scalpers and touts from snatching up premium tickets to resell them at inflated prices. However, Smith, during an interview with The Times last year, criticized the ‘Platinum’ system, labeling it a “scam” that is “driven by greed”.

“I thought, ‘We don’t need to make all this money’,” Smith expressed. “If people save on the tickets, they buy beer or merch. There is goodwill; they will come back next time. It is a self-fulfilling good vibe, and I don’t understand why more people don’t do it.”

Neil Young’s Realization

Young echoed Smith's sentiments, taking to his Archives site to reflect on the detrimental effects of ‘Platinum’ tickets. He rationalized his decision by stating that they lead to him taking excessive amounts of money from his loyal fans.

“My management and agent have always tried to cover my back on the road, getting me the best deals they could,” Young explained. “They have tried to protect me and the fans from scalpers who buy the best tickets and resell them at huge increases for their own profits.”

He elaborated on the problematic nature of Ticketmaster's high-priced Platinum tickets, noting that they were introduced in areas where scalpers were most active. “The money went to me. That did not feel right. Very soon, Platinum tickets will no longer be available for my shows,” he affirmed.

Taking Charge of Ticket Sales

Young further stated, “I have decided to let the people work this out. Buy aggressively when the tickets come out, or tickets will cost a lot more in a secondary market.” This statement conveys Young’s desire to empower his fans rather than exploit their dedication.

In response to the growing concern over dynamic ticket pricing, the UK government has taken a stand, condemning this practice as part of its agenda to amend the ticketing industry. This action follows the backlash against the dynamic pricing strategy utilized during the controversial Oasis ticket sale last summer.

Upcoming Tours and Projects

As for Young, he’s gearing up for an exciting summer filled with performances across the UK and Europe as part of his ‘Love Earth’ world tour alongside The Chrome Hearts. This tour promises thrilling moments, including a headline set at the iconic Glastonbury Festival in June, followed by a performance at BST Hyde Park in July, where he’ll share the stage with legends like Yusuf / Cat Stevens and Van Morrison.

In addition, Young has recently unveiled his first collaboration with The Chrome Hearts, a new track titled ‘Big Change’. He’s optimistic about releasing a debut album with the group in April, just in time for the summer tour.

Moreover, Neil has shared a teaser for his upcoming documentary Coastal, which is set to premiere in cinemas on April 17. Directed by his wife, Darryl Hannah, the film captures the essence of his 2023 tour, providing fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse.

Conclusion

With Neil Young's commitment to fair ticket pricing, fans can look forward to a more inclusive and enjoyable concert experience. What are your thoughts on the ‘Platinum’ ticket system? Do you think more artists should follow suit in making concert tickets accessible?

• What led Neil Young to stop selling 'Platinum' tickets? Young was inspired by Robert Smith's comments on ticket pricing and its effects on fans.
• How does the ‘Platinum’ ticket system work? It allows ticket outlets like Ticketmaster to charge higher prices for premium tickets to combat scalping.
• What are the upcoming tour dates for Neil Young? Neil Young is set to perform in the UK and Europe this summer as part of his ‘Love Earth’ world tour.
• What is the purpose of dynamic ticket pricing? Dynamic ticket pricing adjusts ticket costs based on demand, but it has faced criticism for being exploitative.
• Where can I watch Neil Young's documentary *Coastal*? *Coastal* will be released in cinemas on April 17, directed by his wife, Darryl Hannah.

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