As sad as it is, I refuse to pay >$20 to see anyone beyond: Moz, Pulp, the late Johnny Cash and thats about it.

I hear ya, and it sucks. The grossest recent outrage for me was the Police "oldies but goodies" reunion tour. A minimum of $55 dollars for crappy seats, plus we would have had to become Best Buy members or something to get the pre-sale link, just to see a band that hasn't played live in a bazillion years play at the crappiest venue in Seattle?

I could not abide. I'll decided I rather just read this and go listen to Zenyatta Mondatta again.

It's sick how much tickets cost, and how little you get in return. Not to play the old fogey role, but 20 years ago, as a teenager, I paid $20 to see Pink Floyd at an enormo-dome -- a three-hour show with tons of special efx and insane light show and all that stuff. Would probably cost $200 or more if it happened today. Nowadays, $20 barely gets you into the Showbox for some crummy ringer-tee band.

be thankful you're not in australia, otherwise double your price.

Thats insane! My wallet has been suffering over a few $7 shows. But even smaller shows have become more expensive. In the Old Fire House, there are posters for old shows and they were all $5.

I blame Coldplay.

I always do too!!

Yes, Ticketbastard "convenience charges" are bullshit. Luckily, some venues help you to avoid 'em with in-person sales. (Whenever I'm able, I get myself to the Paramount or Moore box office for Ticketmaster-handled events at those venues - facility fees are minimal by comparison.)