Helene Fischer defends high ticket prices in TV interview
Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- German pop singer Helene Fischer defended high ticket prices for her concerts in a television interview, citing job creation and rising production costs.
- Fischer appeared on the "Tagesthemen" program to discuss her recently concluded anniversary tour and her audience.
- The interview touched upon concerns that escalating ticket prices, particularly on the secondary market, could make events accessible only to the wealthy, a point German Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig also addressed.
German Schlager superstar Helene Fischer addressed the contentious issue of high ticket prices during an appearance on the "Tagesthemen" news program. Defending the cost of attending her concerts, Fischer stated that such events create jobs and that production expenses, including materials, are continually increasing.
Does it surprise you that you also have so many young fans, spanning generations?
Fischer, who recently concluded her anniversary tour, was allocated approximately seven minutes for a live discussion. The interview initially focused on her tour and the diverse nature of her fanbase, which spans multiple generations. However, moderator Ingo Zamperoni steered the conversation toward the rising cost of event tickets, a trend observed not only at major sporting events but also at concerts.
That is, of course, an important point. We put a lot of thought into it for a very long time beforehand.
Responding to the question of whether such events risk becoming exclusive to the privileged and affluent, Fischer acknowledged it as an "important point." She explained that she and her team dedicate significant time to planning, while also emphasizing the hundreds of individuals employed by her shows. "We also create jobs somewhere," Fischer stated, pointing to the rising costs associated with materials and production.
We also create jobs somewhere.
Her comments come as German Federal Minister of Justice Stefanie Hubig has taken steps to combat "usury and fraud" in the ticket resale market. Hubig has indicated that concerts, football matches, and other events should not be solely accessible to those who can afford exorbitant secondary market prices. Potential measures include limiting excessive price markups on resold tickets. This issue has also been highlighted by international artists, such as singer Olivia Dean, who previously criticized ticket platforms for allowing inflated resale prices.
Concerts, football matches, and other events should not only be open to those who can afford the exorbitant prices on the secondary market.
Originally published by Der Spiegel in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.