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Smaller bands are likely to feel the crunch of the credit crisis just as the larger arena acts. As consumers try to spare as much cash as possible, the touring acts that typically play the middle-range venues could see smaller crowds. Fans could be hesitant to see these buzz bands more than once every several years. Smaller, regional bands may be in the clear. These groups that sell $5-$15 tickets will likely have the same attendance at the small clubs that they play, especially since gas prices have dropped significantly. But the developing acts that sell $20-plus tickets will suffer. One issue is that a $20 ticket is not really $20, but more like $28 after service charges. Presales suffer because people want to save a few bucks by going to the venue to get walk-up tickets at the window. Ticket agents have reported a severe slow in ticket sales following Labor Day. One said a check bounced for a club, the first time he had ever seen such a thing.
Cutting ticket prices is the only option for many acts. Unlike major touring bands, indie bands typically take a cut of the door, so the price directly relates to how much they make. The problem with cutting ticket prices is how it will affect the quality of the show. But at the same time, if the fan does not buy a ticket then none of the rest matters.