Harry Styles Faces Fan Backlash Over Ticket Prices Despite Historic Wembley Expansion
Pop superstar Harry Styles has announced two additional dates at Wembley Stadium for his upcoming Together Together tour, a move that will see him make history by performing a record 12 shows at the iconic London venue this summer. However, the expansion has been overshadowed by a wave of criticism from fans, who have branded the singer "greedy" and "out of touch" due to what many perceive as exorbitant ticket prices.
Record-Breaking Run at Wembley Stadium
The 31-year-old artist, formerly of One Direction, had initially scheduled 10 performances at Wembley as part of his global residency. With the new additions, he will now surpass Coldplay, who held 10 gigs there last summer during their Music of the Spheres tour, to become the act with the most shows at the stadium in a single tour. Previously, Taylor Swift held the record for a solo artist with eight Wembley performances during her Eras Tour, taking the title from Michael Jackson, who completed seven.
Styles is set to take the stage on June 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 23, 26, 27, 29, and July 1, 3, and 4. This historic run is part of a broader tour that includes 50 stops across seven cities, such as Amsterdam, New York, São Paulo, and Sydney, stretching from May through December 2026.
Fan Fury Over Soaring Ticket Costs
As pre-sale tickets went on sale this week, fans quickly expressed their dismay at the high prices, comparing them unfavourably to Styles' previous Love On Tour, which concluded in 2023. For the London leg, seat prices range from £44 to £466.24, while standing tickets cost between £144 and £279. VIP packages have drawn particular ire, with prices starting at £468.85 and soaring to £725.
In other locations, the costs are similarly steep. Tickets for New York's Madison Square Garden are priced from $50 to $1,182.40, with VIP packages reportedly reaching $1,667. In Amsterdam, prices vary from €74.05 to €828.62. This marks a significant increase from Styles' 2022 residency at Madison Square Garden, where tickets ranged from $39.50 to $199.50, and his sold-out Wembley shows that year, which started at £45 and capped at £99.
Social Media Outcry and Accessibility Concerns
Fans have taken to social media platforms like X to voice their frustrations, accusing Styles of making music "inaccessible" to his younger fanbase. One user lamented, "This is the WORST presale experience I've ever had," while another directed a message to the singer: "Hey @Harry_Styles... I'm at a loss for words over how much you/ur team seem to have lost touch with reality in terms of residency shows and ticket price. Music should be accessible."
Other comments included criticisms of the pricing strategies, with one fan stating, "Friendly reminder that artists can disable platinum pricing, implement face value ticket exchange, have a say in their own pricing! Harry Styles you're a greedy a*s b***h." The backlash has sparked a broader conversation about ticket affordability in the live music industry.
Industry Context and VIP Package Details
Styles is not alone in facing such criticism. Recently, Oasis encountered similar backlash when tickets for their reunion tour were released with prices rising to £350, prompting a UK watchdog to investigate dynamic ticket pricing practices. In Styles' case, the tour offers three VIP packages:
- The Together Package: Priced at £725.45 in London, it includes a general admission floor ticket, early entry, VIP lounge access with appetisers and drinks, exclusive merchandise, and photo opportunities.
- The KISS Package: Costs £468.45 and offers similar benefits but excludes lounge access.
- The DISCO Package: At £333.45, it provides a more basic VIP experience without fast pass access to pop-up shops.
While many fans celebrated securing tickets, the high costs have left some feeling excluded, highlighting ongoing tensions between artist profitability and fan accessibility in the entertainment world. Representatives for Harry Styles have been contacted for comment on the matter.
