Taylor Swift's mega-producer Jack Antonoff breaks down 3 problems with the economics of touring: 'Don't turn a live show into a free market'

Beyonce and Taylor Swift were big winners at the Grammys. But, fans still worry about ticketing chaos as Swift's Renaissance World Tour approaches. Jack Antonoff, a frequent Swift collaborator, offered his thoughts on Live Nation and the economics behind touring. Variety Magazine asked Antonoff about Live Nation and its impact on touring and the industry. Antonoff replied that it was "incredibly difficult." Antonoff said, "If I can buy a car online and have it delivered to me, why can't a ticket be bought at the price the artist wants?" Antonoff stated. It's so simple. Swift released a statement following the sale of tickets, saying that she was angry and had asked multiple times to "ensure they could handle such a demand." Antonoff offered his views on the future of the ticketing industry in the wake the ticketing chaos. Antonoff stated that it is not down to artists that the current situation is bad and that "we know what's making this impossible". Antonoff also reiterated his main requests for the industry, "Don't make a live show a free market." That's really gross. Antonoff stated that charging fans for what is fair will create a situation in which different groups of people can get together at one price. The producer was referring to the economic concept K-shaped economies, which is often used to describe rising inequality. In this economy, the richer have greater access to higher incomes and jobs (or tickets in this case), while the poorer are less fortunate. Insider reached out to Live Nation Entertainment and Antonoff for clarification. Antonoff's concerns and demands are not unique. He has been vocal about them. --jackantonoff (URL November 18, 2022Artists have previously stated to Insider that the shrinking industry, rising costs, reduced merchandise going to venues and stagnant wages were making it increasingly difficult for musicians to tour or survive economically. It can't be as simple as "Oh, I love it." It doesn't matter if I don't make any money. I will do it. Swift's loyal fans have prompted renewed scrutiny for Live Nation and its merger with Ticketmaster in 2010. A hearing was held by the Senate Judiciary Committee on industry competition. It featured many Swift references. Trevor Noah, Grammys host, acknowledged the influence of Swifties. Swifties was later given the task of lowering egg prices.