Ticketmaster has recently come under fire for unexpectedly raising prices at checkout, leaving many dissatisfied and feeling duped. Pearl Jam has stepped up to the bat in response to this rising issue. The band recently announced on their website that they’ve found a method to ensure equitable ticket pricing for their upcoming tour, which begins in August. Ticketmaster’s ticket pricing methods have not only displeased customers, but they have also received criticism from artists. The Cure’s Robert Smith was among the first to express concerns about Ticketmaster, noting the company’s tactics that resulted in hefty costs for concert tickets for The Cure’s fans. When Pearl Jam became aware of the issue, they decided to create a system that would alleviate fan concerns while also ensuring a fair ticket-buying experience. The band’s new strategy focuses on making tickets non-transferable where allowed, offering a fraction of tickets at market rate through PJ Premium, and applying all-in pricing to remove hidden fees at checkout.
Pearl Jam revealed: “To continue to protect fans’ access to reasonably priced tickets, Pearl Jam has decided to make tickets non-transferable where permitted, and to offset increased costs by selling approximately 10% of tickets through PJ Premium at market rate.” Tickets for this tour will remain non-transferable in all states except Illinois, where it is illegal. We regret in advance to Illinois fans who may face higher secondary market ticket pricing. For the first time, Pearl Jam will adopt all-inclusive pricing on this tour. This means that the ticket price you see posted is the whole out-of-pocket cost, including fees, so there are no surprises when you check out.” Pearl Jam demonstrates their appreciation for their fans by taking a position against ticket fraud and developing a system that prioritizes fan interests. Pearl Jam’s creative approach to concert ticket sales demonstrates that they have their fans’ backs, providing a fair and transparent ticket-buying experience for everybody.