As a frequent concert goer, you are often faced with a crippling dilemma – should I go see band x?
Obviously there are many factors that you will rely on to make this decision but for the sake of this article we will look at just one – price.
It’s an age old question that has been facing humans throughout the ages – just exactly how much is this entertainment worth? At what price point will all the parties involved in the transaction be satisfied?
Today we will try to come up with a formula for you to apply to help you determine whether the band you want to see is worth it.
Step 1: Base price
Let’s start off with the base price – this is the general range of a band given its relative stature on the band hierarchy, this is from the newly formed band to Beyoncé. For arguments sake let’s slot them
$5 – Your friends band or friends of your friends band, or your friends promoting a show. Either way it involves someone you know
$10 – A band that has an EP or a debut album out and maybe has a bit of buzz whether it be local or regional.
$15 – This band has a song or two you recognize and there is some general excitement.
$20 – This band has hits, whether it be an album or some singles. They are popular but not in a mainstream kind of way. OR this used to be a $30 dollar band but they released a shitty album and are now trying to recover from it.
$25-30 – This is a band on the cusp of being mainstream popular, maybe they are a CBC radio band. this could also be a band that’s popular overseas but have yet to crack over here. Finally, this could also be a nostalgic act that previously had a hit or two and are cashing in on the fact that their fan base is old enough to afford tickets
From this point on, it’s all big acts so let’s skip those.
Below are the factors that might either decrease or increase the amount you would pay:
Step 2. Venue and location
Let’s not kid ourselves, where a show is place and its address plays a big part in your decision. A small intimate venue like the Dakota will definitely raise the price whereas putting a show at the Docks would be like attaching an STD to the ticket. Consulting our group of experts we have come up with the following values for Toronto:
+20% – Massey Hall, Carlu (premier classy concert venue), Dakota (if band is big)
+10% – Lees Palace, Horseshoe Tavern (popular mid sized place)
No Change – Mod Club, Danforth (basically indifferent venues)
-10% – ACC (arenas, often unavoidable),Hoxton (douchy clubs with poor sight lines)
-80% The Docks (hard to reach, generally hated venues)
Bonus: -2% for any venue with bathroom attendants
Step 3 – Locality – how close a venue is also factors in to the cost people are willing to pay. Distance is a bad measurement because of the many types of transportation available so we will go by commute times
+10% – 10 minutes or less
+5% -20 min or less
0 half hour commute
-5% – 40 minute commute
-10% everything else
Step 4 – Band visitation frequency
How often does the band play?
+50% – Reunion! (10+ years)
+30% – Reunion! (5+ years)
+20% – Tours rarely
+15% – Tour around every 3 years
0 – every year
-10% – twice a year / frequently
-20% – plays all the time
Bonus: 5% if an important band member has recently rejoined the band
Step 5 – Show Bonuses
These are just bonuses that apply depending on material
+ 20% – Classic album or greatest hits
+ 10% – Homecoming show (chance of special guest)
+/- % – Acoustic show (depending how you feel)
0 – Normal Set List
-10% – Nostalgic band with new material
-20% – Nostalgic band where Axl Rose or an American Idol replaces your lead singer
Step 6 – Day of Week Penalty
Applies to only people with jobs or who are old or who act old (you know who you are)
-20% – Sunday, Monday (let’s face it, these are not ideal show dates)
-5% – Tuesday (The idea of staying out late is more appealing)
5% – Wednesday (I like Wednesday shows because it activates your weekend mode a day early)
0 – Thursday/Friday/Saturday
There’s probably more factors, but this article is already too long. So let’s test this out!
1. Parquet Courts @ Phoenix
Base Price: 20$ (they have a few good songs and a good album)
Location: -10% at Phoenix
Locality: 0 (reasonable distance)
Frequency: -10%
Show Bonus: 0 (normal show)
Day Penalty: 0
My price: 20$ -20% = $16
List price: 22$
2. Vaccines @ Mod Club
Base Price: $25 (Kinda popular band overseas, has a few hits)
Location: 0 (Mod Club)
Locality: 5% (20 minutes or less)
Frequency: 0 (Seems to come every year)
Show Bonus: 0
Day Penalty: 0
My Price: 25 + 5% = ~27$
Actual Price: $30.50
3. Collective Soul @ Phoenix
Base Price: $30 (Nostalgic act)
Location: -10%
Locality: 0
Frequency: +30% (haven’t been around in ~5 years)
Show Bonus: -10% (old band with new material)
Day Penalty: 0
My Price: $30 +10% = $33
Actual Price: 40$
In conclusion, this thing is kinda accurate? What says you?
What other factors are there?
