This sort of reminds of a conversation I had with a work colleague. He wanted to trade in his pickup truck.

He asked, "How do these car companies justify charging $70,000 for a truck?"

I said, "Don't buy it. Your old truck will suffice."

I didn't make a friend that day.

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Another aspect to high prices is that concert productions have became a lot more elaborate. I saw a PBS concert of Kenny Rogers. A circular stage; Kenny sauntered around the edge of the circle, singing his tunes, to all parts of the venue. In the middle of the circle was the band, maybe 10 pieces, sunk into the pit. We almost did not see them. That was the show.

This format would not be marketable today. Audience expect a bigger show. So part of the price increase is ta pay for bigger bands, dancers, stage gimmicks, screens and more roadies and trucks.

We need to watch more "organic" artists. There's more entertainment values in the less-well-knowns.