Blue dot fever is the new term for half-empty arenas and cancelled concerts. The data behind it is specific and the team has the numbers.

 

Concert ticket prices for the top 100 global tours went up 37.2 percent between 2019 and 2025. Inflation over the same period was 21 percent. The prices never came back down after the post-pandemic surge. Post Malone, Kid Cudi, the Pussycat Dolls, and Meghan Trainor have all played to rooms loaded with unsold seats. The cheapest available tickets at some shows are still $80.

 

The small venue is the counterpoint. Under 1,000 people, $30 to $80 a ticket, merch that doesn't cost $75. One of the team flew to Vancouver for a show that turned out to be the best concert of their life. The entire trip cost less than the worst seat at Metallica at the Sphere.

 

Topics: blue dot fever, concert ticket prices Canada, Ticketmaster prices, concert cancellations, small venue music


Originally aired on 2026-05-12

Blue dot fever is the new term for half-empty arenas and cancelled concerts. The data behind it is specific and the team has the numbers.
&nbsp;
Concert ticket prices for the top 100 global tours went up 37.2 percent between 2019 and 2025. Inflation over the same period was 21 percent. The prices never came back down after the post-pandemic surge. Post Malone, Kid Cudi, the Pussycat Dolls, and Meghan Trainor have all played to rooms loaded with unsold seats. The cheapest available tickets at some shows are still $80.
&nbsp;
The small venue is the counterpoint. Under 1,000 people, $30 to $80 a ticket, merch that doesn't cost $75. One of the team flew to Vancouver for a show that turned out to be the best concert of their life. The entire trip cost less than the worst seat at Metallica at the Sphere.
&nbsp;
Topics: blue dot fever, concert ticket prices Canada, Ticketmaster prices, concert cancellations, small venue music
 Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-05-12

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.