M. Shadows Critiques Rising Tour Costs

Avenged Sevenfold’s lead singer, M. Shadows, has voiced concerns over the increasingly difficult landscape of touring for artists, particularly due to skyrocketing ticket prices and rising travel costs. In a recent interview, he noted that fans are frustrated by the high ticket prices, exacerbated by dynamic pricing models intended to benefit artists but ultimately leading to exorbitant costs for concertgoers. Shadows highlighted that the expenses associated with touring, such as fuel, logistics, and crew salaries, have surged, making it challenging for bands to turn a profit. He pointed out that many artists are experiencing a downturn in ticket sales, which further complicates their financial viability. The impact of the pandemic continues to resonate in the industry, with many bands canceling tours due to these financial strains. Shadows concluded that unless bands can find ways to minimize travel and maximize local engagements, the touring model may become increasingly unsustainable.