Bob CollinsConcert-goers, what would happen if the world adopts the Bob Dylan method of selling concert tickets?
Dylan — and I’m ignoring the Minnesota law that requires me to preface his name with Hibbing native — is appearing Wednesday night at a concert in San Francisco. There are no convenience charges, no handling fees, and no other add-ons to the $60 ticket. There are no tickets. It’s all a cash deal, says Spinner:
The line will officially be allowed to form beginning at noon on the day of the show, with the doors opening at 5:30PM and the show beginning at 8:00PM. It’s going to be a long day for Bay Area Dylan fans but the wait will be worth it for the 2,250 lucky attendees — it’s been 15 years since the iconic folk singer has performed at the legendary theater.
A statement by promoter Goldenvoice’s David Lefkowitz, on the company’s website, reads, “Given the state of touring and how fees have escalated, it was a real breath of fresh air to do something very consumer oriented by eliminating all ticketing charges. It’s almost a throwback to another time.” Almost. The last time Bob Dylan played the Warfield, for a two-night stand in May of 1995, tickets were half that price — including all fees. Guess the times really have been a-changing.
Suffice it to say, the system will be… inconvenient. Who’s got time to wait in a line all day for a concert you may or may not get to see? Oh dear, I’ve just defended Ticketmaster.
