How Did You Buy Concert Tickets Before the Internet

The Pre-Internet Ticket Buying Experience

The process of buying concert tickets has undergone a significant transformation over the years. Before the advent of the internet, purchasing tickets was a challenging and often time-consuming task. Fans had to rely on traditional methods, such as waiting in line, using the phone, or sending mail orders, to secure tickets to their favorite concerts. The excitement of buying tickets was often tempered by the uncertainty of whether tickets would be available. Despite these challenges, fans were willing to go to great lengths to get their hands on tickets, often camping out overnight or waiting in long lines. The pre-internet ticket buying experience was a true test of dedication and perseverance for music enthusiasts.

In the pre-internet era, buying concert tickets required a great deal of planning and effort. Fans would often have to wait in line for hours, sometimes even days, to purchase tickets at a physical ticket outlet, such as a box office or a record store. This method was often the most reliable way to secure tickets, but it required a significant investment of time and energy. Alternatively, fans could try their luck with phone orders, but this method was often plagued by busy signals and long wait times. Mail orders were another option, but this method was often slow and unreliable.

Despite the challenges, the pre-internet ticket buying experience had its own unique charm. Fans would often bond with fellow concert-goers while waiting in line, sharing stories and excitement about the upcoming show. The thrill of finally getting tickets was a moment of pure joy, and the sense of accomplishment was palpable. For many fans, the pre-internet ticket buying experience was an integral part of the concert-going experience, and it added to the overall excitement and anticipation of the event.

So, how did you buy concert tickets before the internet? For many fans, the answer is a nostalgic trip down memory lane, filled with stories of waiting in line, using the phone, and sending mail orders. While the process was often challenging, it was also a labor of love, driven by a passion for music and a desire to experience live performances. As the music industry continues to evolve, it’s interesting to look back on the pre-internet ticket buying experience and appreciate the dedication and perseverance of fans who were willing to go to great lengths to secure tickets to their favorite concerts.

Waiting in Line: The Traditional Ticket Buying Method

Waiting in line was a traditional method of buying concert tickets before the internet era. Fans would often arrive at the ticket outlet, such as a box office or a record store, hours or even days before tickets went on sale. This method required a great deal of dedication and perseverance, as fans would have to wait in line for extended periods of time, often in extreme weather conditions. Despite the challenges, waiting in line was a popular method of buying tickets, as it allowed fans to secure tickets in person and avoid the uncertainty of phone orders or mail orders.

Stories of fans camping out overnight to secure tickets are legendary. Fans would often bring sleeping bags, chairs, and other supplies to make the wait more comfortable. The camaraderie among fans waiting in line was often palpable, as strangers became fast friends bonding over their shared love of music. The excitement of waiting in line was also fueled by the uncertainty of whether tickets would be available. Would the tickets sell out before they reached the front of the line? Would they be able to get tickets to the show they wanted to see?

Waiting in line was not just a method of buying tickets; it was an experience in itself. Fans would often share stories, play music, and enjoy each other’s company while waiting in line. The sense of community and shared purpose was strong, as fans worked together to secure tickets to the concert. For many fans, waiting in line was a rite of passage, a test of their dedication and commitment to their favorite artists.

While waiting in line was a traditional method of buying concert tickets, it was not without its challenges. Fans had to contend with long lines, inclement weather, and the uncertainty of ticket availability. However, for many fans, the thrill of waiting in line was worth the challenges. The sense of accomplishment and excitement of securing tickets in person was unparalleled, and the experience of waiting in line remains a cherished memory for many music fans.

Using the Phone: The Rise of Phone Orders

Before the internet era, buying concert tickets over the phone was a popular method for fans to secure tickets to their favorite artist’s show. This method emerged as a convenient alternative to waiting in line at a physical ticket outlet. However, it came with its own set of challenges. Fans would often spend hours on the phone, trying to get through to a busy ticket hotline, only to be met with a busy signal or a long wait on hold.

To increase their chances of getting tickets, fans would often use multiple phone lines, enlisting the help of friends and family to dial in simultaneously. This strategy was particularly useful for popular shows, where tickets were likely to sell out quickly. Landline phones were a necessity, as mobile phones were not yet widely available. Fans would also make sure to have a pen and paper ready to jot down the ticket details, as well as a credit card or other payment method to complete the transaction.

Phone orders required a great deal of patience and persistence. Fans would often spend hours on the phone, listening to hold music or waiting for a ticket agent to become available. Despite the challenges, phone orders remained a popular method for buying concert tickets, offering fans a convenient way to purchase tickets from the comfort of their own homes.

For those who were successful in getting through to the ticket hotline, the sense of excitement and accomplishment was palpable. Hearing the ticket agent confirm the ticket purchase over the phone was a thrilling moment, and fans would often celebrate with friends and family after securing tickets to a highly anticipated show.

While phone orders were a significant improvement over waiting in line, they still had their limitations. Fans were often limited to purchasing tickets during business hours, and phone lines could become congested, leading to long wait times. Nevertheless, phone orders played an important role in the evolution of concert ticket sales, paving the way for the online ticketing systems that would eventually become the norm.

Mail Order: The Snail Mail Method

Before the internet era, buying concert tickets by mail was a popular method for fans who couldn’t make it to a physical ticket outlet or preferred the convenience of purchasing tickets from home. This method, also known as the “snail mail” method, required fans to send in a check or money order with a self-addressed stamped envelope to receive tickets.

The process typically began with fans checking the local newspaper or music magazine for concert listings and ticket information. They would then fill out a ticket order form, usually provided by the venue or promoter, and mail it in with payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope. The order form would specify the concert details, ticket prices, and any applicable fees.

Once the order was received, the venue or promoter would process the payment and mail out the tickets to the fan. This process could take several days or even weeks, depending on the efficiency of the mail system and the venue’s ticketing process. Fans would often anxiously wait for their tickets to arrive, hoping that they had secured a spot at the concert.

While the mail order method was convenient, it had its drawbacks. Fans had to rely on the postal service to deliver their tickets, which could be unreliable at times. Additionally, there was always a risk of tickets being lost or stolen in the mail. Despite these challenges, the mail order method remained a popular way for fans to buy concert tickets before the internet era.

For fans who were unable to purchase tickets through other means, the mail order method provided a viable alternative. It also allowed fans to purchase tickets from the comfort of their own homes, without having to wait in line or deal with busy phone lines. Overall, the mail order method played an important role in the evolution of concert ticket sales, providing fans with a convenient and accessible way to purchase tickets.

Ticket Outlets: The Role of Retail Stores

Retail stores, such as record stores and convenience stores, played a significant role in the concert ticket buying experience before the internet era. These outlets would often carry a limited quantity of tickets for upcoming concerts, providing fans with an alternative to waiting in line at the box office or trying their luck with phone orders.

Record stores, in particular, were a popular destination for concert tickets. Fans would often visit their local record store to browse the latest music releases and check out the concert ticket selection. The store would typically display a list of available concerts and ticket prices, and fans could purchase tickets in person using cash or credit.

Convenience stores, such as 7-Eleven or Circle K, also began to sell concert tickets in the 1980s and 1990s. These stores would often have a dedicated ticketing kiosk or a ticketing terminal, where fans could purchase tickets using a credit card or cash. The convenience store ticketing model was convenient for fans who lived in areas with limited access to record stores or box offices.

While retail stores provided a convenient way for fans to buy concert tickets, they often had limited quantities available. Fans would need to act quickly to secure tickets, as they could sell out quickly. Additionally, retail stores might not always have the best selection of tickets, as they might only carry tickets for certain sections of the venue or for specific shows.

Despite these limitations, retail stores played an important role in the concert ticket buying experience before the internet era. They provided fans with a physical location where they could purchase tickets in person, and they helped to promote concerts and events to a wider audience. The rise of online ticketing has largely replaced the retail store model, but it remains an important part of the history of concert ticket sales.

For fans who are wondering how did you buy concert tickets before the internet, the retail store model is an important part of the answer. It was a convenient and accessible way for fans to purchase tickets, and it helped to shape the concert ticket buying experience into what it is today.

Secondary Markets: The Emergence of Scalpers

The secondary market for concert tickets emerged as a result of the high demand for tickets to popular concerts. Scalpers, individuals who buy up tickets with the intention of reselling them at inflated prices, began to capitalize on this demand. Scalpers would often purchase tickets from the primary market, such as the box office or ticket outlets, and then resell them on the secondary market at a markup.

The secondary market for concert tickets was often unregulated, and scalpers would use various tactics to acquire tickets and resell them at a profit. Some scalpers would use automated software to rapidly purchase tickets from the primary market, while others would employ teams of people to wait in line at the box office or ticket outlets.

The controversy surrounding ticket scalping has been ongoing for decades. Many fans and artists have criticized scalpers for inflating ticket prices and making it difficult for genuine fans to purchase tickets at face value. Some have argued that scalpers are simply taking advantage of a free market, while others have called for greater regulation of the secondary market.

Despite the controversy, the secondary market for concert tickets has continued to thrive. Online marketplaces, such as eBay and Craigslist, have made it easier for scalpers to buy and sell tickets. Social media platforms have also enabled scalpers to reach a wider audience and promote their tickets.

For fans who are wondering how did you buy concert tickets before the internet, the secondary market is an important part of the answer. While the secondary market has its drawbacks, it has also provided fans with an alternative way to purchase tickets to sold-out concerts. However, it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks and pitfalls of buying tickets from scalpers, and to take steps to protect yourself from inflated prices and scams.

The emergence of the secondary market has also led to the development of new technologies and business models aimed at regulating and legitimizing the resale of concert tickets. Some companies, such as Ticketmaster and StubHub, have established themselves as authorized resellers of concert tickets, providing a safer and more transparent way for fans to buy and sell tickets.

How to Buy Concert Tickets Before the Internet: Tips and Tricks

Buying concert tickets before the internet era required a combination of strategy, persistence, and luck. For fans who are wondering how did you buy concert tickets before the internet, here are some tips and tricks that can increase your chances of scoring tickets to your favorite artist’s show.

Arriving early at the box office or ticket outlet was crucial in securing tickets. Fans would often camp out overnight or arrive hours before the box office opened to ensure they were at the front of the line. This tactic was especially effective for popular concerts, where tickets were likely to sell out quickly.

Using multiple phone lines was another strategy that fans employed to increase their chances of getting tickets. By having multiple phone lines, fans could call the ticket hotline simultaneously, increasing their chances of getting through to a ticket agent. This tactic was particularly useful for fans who lived in areas with limited access to box offices or ticket outlets.

Building relationships with ticket outlet staff or box office employees could also be beneficial in securing tickets. Fans who regularly purchased tickets from a particular outlet or box office might receive preferential treatment or be notified about upcoming concerts before the general public.

Being flexible with your ticket options was also important. Fans who were willing to consider upper-level seats or tickets to less popular shows might have a better chance of securing tickets. Additionally, being open to purchasing tickets from authorized resellers or secondary markets could also increase your chances of getting tickets.

Finally, staying informed about upcoming concerts and ticket availability was crucial in securing tickets. Fans who regularly checked the local newspaper, music magazines, or radio stations for concert announcements and ticket information were more likely to get tickets to their favorite artist’s show.

By following these tips and tricks, fans can increase their chances of scoring concert tickets before the internet era. While the process may have been more challenging and time-consuming, the thrill of securing tickets to a live concert was well worth the effort.

The Impact of Technology on Concert Ticket Sales

The advent of the internet and technology has revolutionized the concert ticket buying experience. Gone are the days of waiting in line, using the phone, or relying on mail order to purchase tickets. Today, fans can buy concert tickets with just a few clicks, from the comfort of their own homes. But how did this shift impact the music industry and the way fans purchase tickets?

The rise of online ticketing platforms has made it easier for fans to buy concert tickets. Websites like Ticketmaster, Live Nation, and Eventbrite have become household names, offering a wide range of tickets to various events. The convenience of online ticketing has increased accessibility, allowing fans to purchase tickets from anywhere in the world. However, this shift has also led to new challenges, such as ticketing fees, scalping, and the risk of ticket fraud.

The internet has also changed the way tickets are marketed