Let’s be real, EqualityWorx fam – nothing beats the buzz of seeing your favourite singer or band live, screaming the lyrics with your mates, and soaking in that pure, unfiltered vibe. But for most of Gen Z, that dream is slipping further out of reach. The price of concert tickets has gone from “splurge for a birthday” to “should I sell a kidney, or…?” And it’s not just the superstars – festival passes like Electric Picnic and even mid-tier acts are hitting eye-watering prices.
How Much for a Night Out? (Spoiler: Too Much)
Here’s how steep the climb is for Irish Gen Z music fans in 2025:
| Artist/Event | Venue | Ticket Price (Standard Range) |
|---|---|---|
| Oasis Reunion | Dublin, Aviva Stadium | €94–€261 |
| Billie Eilish | Dublin, 3Arena | from $214 (approx. €197) |
| Robbie Williams | Dublin, Croke Park | €77–€152 |
| Electric Picnic | Stradbally, Laois | €295–€342 (with fees) |
| Stereophonics | St Anne’s Park | €59.90–€69.90 |
| Sugababes | Dublin, 3Arena | €62.20 |
Electric Picnic tickets for 2025 hit €295 for standard weekend camping, and after ticket fees, the total was as much as €342 for one pass. Loyalty discounts exist, but issues left many paying full whack
The Real Cost for Gen Z
- Part-Time Pay, Full-Time FOMO: With many Gen Zers on part-time wages or balancing college and gig work, dropping €70 – €300+ on a ticket is a full-on luxury spend.
- It’s Not Just the Ticket: Factor in travel (a return bus to Electric Picnic is €35, food, merch (hello €40 t-shirts), and suddenly you’re staring at a total cost that could cover a month’s rent.
- Ticket Drop Chaos: The mad scramble for presales and the stress of bots scooping up tickets means only the super-fast (and super-lucky) even get the chance, never mind the cash.
All-Inclusive or Just Excluding?
Music is supposed to connect us. But when tickets to see the likes of Lana Del Rey, Billie Eilish, or even classic reunions are pushing regular fans out, where’s the access? Even the so-called “budget” gigs are creeping up past €60 – and that’s before the fees.
Gen Z already cops enough about being glued to their phones and “not living in the moment”, but how can you soak up real-world music experiences when the door’s slammed by outrageous prices?
Why Are Tickets So Expensive?
- High Demand, Low Supply: Everyone’s desperate for a live fix post-pandemic, but venues are limited, and scalpers are relentless.
- Inflation & Fees: Everything costs more now – from artists’ expenses to booking fees, which can add €40+ to big events.
- VIP/Resale Madness: “Premium” experiences jack up the baseline price for everyone, and resale sites pump costs way past face value.
Is There a Fix?
Other than squinting at grainy Insta live streams? Sounds harsh, but the answer’s not simple. Some countries are bringing in price caps or banning reselling above face value – but Ireland’s scene is still the wild west. Until then, Gen Z fans are left with four options: miss out, save up, get lucky in a pre-sale, or settle for tribute acts.
Final Word: Let’s Open the Gates
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