She Strengthens

The Unattainable Dream: How Music Festivals Became a Luxury for the Elite

The recent lineup announcements from Coachella and Bonnaroo, two of America’s most prominent music festivals, left me both excited and disheartened. The impressive roster of headliners and emerging artists sparked my curiosity, but the staggering ticket prices quickly dampened my enthusiasm. General admission costs range from $300 to $500, excluding food, parking, transportation, and lodging expenses. To make matters worse, “VIP packages” can set you back a whopping $6,000 or more.

It’s mind-boggling that anyone would shell out such exorbitant amounts for entertainment. Yet, these festivals continue to sell out every year, catering to an exclusive crowd of affluent music enthusiasts. The harsh reality is that music festivals have become a luxury reserved for the privileged few.

The High Cost of Festival Fashion

Take, for instance, Coachella’s “glamping” options, which offer luxurious accommodations at an eye-watering $8,000 for the weekend. This extravagant tent experience is worth more than my current vehicle, and it’s infuriating that people are willing to pay such sums. The existence of these lavish packages is a testament to the exclusivity and indulgence that pervades these events.

A Contemporary Country Club

Music festivals have evolved into modern-day equivalents of exclusive country clubs, where attendees flaunt their wealth and social status. They exude an aura of superiority, making those who attend feel like they’ve “made it” or accomplished something remarkable. This air of exclusivity is reminiscent of Jay Gatsby’s opulent parties, where the who’s who of high society gather to see and be seen.

The Wealth Gap

Prior to the late 2000s, the wealthy elite primarily socialized behind the gates of America’s most esteemed clubs. Today, these same individuals have migrated to music festivals, where they can flaunt their designer attire, expensive accessories, and exotic travel experiences. Their lives are characterized by leisure and extravagance, making it difficult not to feel envious.

A Personal Experience

I, too, have attempted to join the “cool kids club” by attending festivals, only to realize that I was out of my element. During my Bonnaroo experience, I witnessed a group of privileged students from a private college who spent their time drinking and taking selfies, rather than enjoying the music. When I asked one of them about missing Vampire Weekend’s performance, he nonchalantly mentioned that he had VIP passes to other festivals and would catch them there instead. It was then that I understood that music festivals were more about the “cool” factor than the music itself.

The Unfair Reality

While it’s true that people with means should be able to spend their money as they please, the arts are invaluable, and musicians deserve support from their fans. However, the exclusivity and high prices of music festivals create a significant barrier for those without a trust fund to attend and support their favorite artists.

The Illusion of Egalitarianism

Festivals promote a sense of community and egalitarianism, where everyone comes together for the love of music. In reality, the pricing and exclusivity of these events are driving attendees toward a more homogenized demographic. It’s ironic that the same festivals that claim to celebrate diversity and inclusivity are, in fact, pushing away those who cannot afford to participate.

A More Accessible Future

Unless I win free tickets in a radio contest, I won’t be attending any major festivals in the near future. Instead, I’ll be watching Beyonce’s Coachella performance from the comfort of my couch, streaming it live for free. The bottom line is that enjoying music shouldn’t come at the cost of an entire paycheck.