Executives announced today, the launch of a new program in six test markets that will add Ticketmaster service fees to tickets passed from one individual to another.
“I Need A Miracle,” a Grateful Dead standard, became the chant of Deadheads – and now other concert goers – looking for a ticket to that evening’s performance.
“Passing along tickets, or miracling them, is part of the fabric of live music.” says a Ticketmaster spokesman. “So too are our service fees. We’re happy to be able to bring these two legendary traditions together.”
According to their website, Ticketmaster “celebrates the live music experience. If a ticket is given freely out of the goodness of someone’s heart who are we to deprive the recipient of the full experience.”
“Whenever our group ends up with an extra, we miracle it to someone. It feels good to share the music and energy with others,” adds concert-goer and LiveNation shareholder Nate. “Mobile ticketing made passing on a ticket to a stranger slightly more complicated, but it also opened the door to trackable fees.”
Details and costs of the program have not been formally announced but industry sources agree they are most likely written in fine-print somewhere and already in effect. One source familiar with the program indicated that there’s a good chance we’ve all already opted-in.