I mean, yes, you're absolutely right. Big players in music who want to make big time money are only able to do it with aggressive practices, and I for one am not here for it. I've loved Blink for ages, same as the next guy, but I'm not down for that kind of pricing and so I'll let the rich kids have their fun rich kid "punk" concert.

I know it's a boomer thing to say, but I get much more satisfaction going to see the little guys. I go to shows at venues with ~1,000 attendee cap. Tickets are ~$20 and don't sell out anyway, so scalpers are a non-issue. I buy my tickets at the box office in-person so TicketMaster doesn't get to double the price with fees for a "service" that I don't want.

Granted, this works for me because I seek it. I listen to these little bands on the regular, and so I'm full mast excited with a 12 square foot stage and a strobe light. It ain't the cinematic experience of an arena. But I have a great time, the band gets money directly from me at the merch table, and if you're lucky you'll meet your heroes as humble incognitos instead of big-headed superstars.

They say vote with your wallet, and I do. Fuck TicketMaster, they don't own the concert experience.