As ticket prices increase and crowds continue to grow larger, an even greater number of fans are left wondering if concerts are still worth going to. After attending a Maroon 5 concert, we can admit that concerts are still thrilling and exciting. However, we couldn’t help but question whether the high ticket prices, costly food and drinks, and seemingly endless waiting in traffic and lines were really worth the experience the concert provided.
As we arrived at the Maroon 5 concert, our experience started with terrible traffic, long lines, and impatience. Although the concert experience didn’t start as we expected, as soon as the lights dimmed and Maroon 5 started to play, the crowd came alive and everything turned around. At the end of the night, all the discomfort of waiting and the cost of tickets just didn’t matter. During the concert, the music and the energy of the crowd created a moment that felt bigger than life. Being with thousands of people who are passionate about the same music made the concert feel special in ways that Spotify or streaming material cannot provide. The event created a shared experience you can’t get anywhere else. It was all worth it—a reminder that no matter the cost, the waiting, or the mess, the magic of seeing live music is irreplaceable.
Mr. Howard agreed, saying, “I absolutely think it’s still worth going to concerts in 2025. I highly recommend it. Get out, enjoy art, be in the moment (no phones), and feel that energy flow through you.”
However, despite the growth of concerts across the nation, Ticketmaster CEO Michael Rapino believes that concerts are severely underpriced, and stated that “there’s a lot of runway left.” He even compared concerts to other events: “I always joke, sports, it’s like a badge of honor to spend 70 grand for a Knicks courtside,” he said. “They’d beat me up if we charge $800 for Beyoncé.” Nonetheless, the vast majority of feedback to Rapino’s comments has been full of negative reactions and disagreements. Luckily, it seems as though concert tickets will remain at similar prices, excluding market inflation.
We believe that concerts are still undoubtedly worth going to, even if the prices for tickets increase. Even with rising prices and industry debates, the unforgettable experience of live music proves that concerts are still worth every penny.
As Mr. Ahearn put it, “Even though prices are higher, I still think concerts are worth going to. Being around people who love the same kind of music is really fun and makes the whole night feel very special.”
Concerts, in the end, are still one of the few activities that bring people together in music, emotion, and energy. While waiting in lines and paying high prices is annoying, nothing compares to the feeling of being in a stadium, singing along with other fans, or simply enjoying performances live. The excitement, bonding, and memories created during a concert—especially if attended with friends and family—are priceless experiences that cannot be replicated by streaming services like Spotify or online videos.
