Smaller, less-expensive shows still work in concert industry's summer of 'doom and gloom'

... snip

Live Nation executives told investors a few weeks ago they are looking ahead to a rebound in 2011, with acts such as U2, Kenny Chesney, Neil Diamond and Van Halen on the road. Jason Garner, the company’s CEO for
global music, acknowledged that ticket prices must come down, though he
put the onus on artists to lower their demands. Flexible pricing of
tickets will become a bigger part of the company’s operating plan, with
prices for seats fluctuating on an open market based on demand.

But will it be enough?

“We all have to revisit it,” artist-manager Kurland says. “We’re in an
evolving economy and our relationship with technology is changing almost
every month. The record industry has already changed drastically. The
concert industry may not have to adopt a completely different model, but
it’s clear that what’s happening now isn’t working anymore.”

Link