Classic rock fans pay more for concert tickets than anyone else

Classic rock fans top the list, but it’s a list they probably aren’t thrilled to lead.
According to a recent study by FinanceBuzzclassic rock is the most expensive genre of music to watch live.
The study looked at concert industry data for 800 of the top artists touring from 2017 to 2021. During this period, the average ticket price for a classic rock performer was $119.14. For comparison, the second highest price was nearly $20 less, with pop concerts costing an average of $100.65 per ticket.
Fans’ wallets were less affected during rock and alternative concerts, which averaged prices of $85.94 and $63.54, respectively. The least expensive genre was Christian music, with an average ticket price under $40.
The most expensive average ticket price for an individual artist belonged to Bruce Springsteen. The Boss had an average ticket price of $508.93 thanks to its huge success Springsteen on Broadway Course. The classic rock legend far outweighed the most expensive pop star, Lady Gaga, whose ticket price averaged $337.43. Metallica had the most expensive rock tickets, averaging just under $230, while The Strokes were the most expensive alternative act, at $126.70.
While those numbers might be scary for fans hoping to hold on to their money, the stats are undoubtedly music to classic rock artists’ ears. The genre has generated more than $3.5 billion in ticket sales over the past five years, ranking only behind pop artists, which grossed $5.2 billion.
On average, classic rock bands grossed over $35.5 million per tour, again ranking behind pop, which averaged $38.6 million.
Touring has been good for The Rolling Stones over the past five years. Among the 10 highest-grossing classic rock tours, four were owned by Mick Jagger and company. Treks by Eagles, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Roger Waters, Journey and Def Leppard (co-headliners) and Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band complete the list.
You can find more details and statistics below.
Top 100 Classic Rock Artists
Click to find out how they rank, as we count down the top 100 classic rock artists.