Ticketing

Everyone knows of the gargantuan effort I made with the Led Zeppelin concerts in London re secondary ticketing and the scalpers.

We also used paperless tickets for The Who at Christmas and where we could for Jeff Beck’s U.S. tour this year.

It’s not difficult to do. It just needs a bit more thought and a lot of co-operation from the local promoter and the venue.

However we need to educate both the public and the artists to stop supporting this immoral business.

Artists need to stand up and tell their fans not to buy.

Agents must stop including strange deals in the contracts.

Venues need to charge a fair rent and stop under the table deals and inside charges by being totally transparent.

Ticketing companies, particularly my "favourite one" need to stop power dealing with managers and venues.

Yes, we have to be profitable, but also transparent,with a duty of care to the fans.

When everyone in the food chain makes an honest, on the table buck, then we can once and for all be in the music business that entertains and gives value and NOT in the rip off business.

Tickets are not created for extra monetization but a simple entry into the magic of great music and entertainment.

Harvey Goldsmith