Story perspectives

Paul Simon Tour Sparks Outrage Over Ticket Prices

2/5/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Paul Simon's presale for his 'A Quiet Celebration' Tour sparked backlash over ticket prices.
The Hollywood Bowl's cheapest seats start at $93, with VIP tickets at $1,280.
Critics argue that such pricing reflects broader ticketing practices by Live Nation and Ticketmaster, which face lawsuits for alleged overcharging.
Nevertheless, the Hollywood Bowl remains generally affordable overall, with some concerts starting as low as $1.

History

Historical Context

Ticketmaster, founded in 1976, faced antitrust scrutiny following its 2010 merger with Live Nation, which created a dominant force controlling over 70% of the U.S. ticketing market. In 2020, the U.S. Department of Justice fined Ticketmaster $3 million for violating merger conditions. The 2022 backlash over exorbitant ticket prices during Taylor Swift's tour sales intensified calls for reform, culminating in a 2024 antitrust lawsuit against the company.

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Story summary

Paul Simon's presale for his 'A Quiet Celebration' Tour sparked backlash over ticket prices.
The Hollywood Bowl's cheapest seats start at $93, with VIP tickets at $1,280.
Critics argue that such pricing reflects broader ticketing practices by Live Nation and Ticketmaster, which face lawsuits for alleged overcharging.
Nevertheless, the Hollywood Bowl remains generally affordable overall, with some concerts starting as low as $1.

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