‘What a Rip Off!’: AC/DC Face Heat Over Ticket Prices for Upcoming Tour

Alex Reed
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Alex Reed
Alex is Rock Celebrities's most senior analyst, specializing in the commercial, legal, and financial aspects of the rock industry with over 15 years of experience. He...
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Photo Credit: Associated Press

AC/DC is facing backlash from fans over ticket pricing for their South American shows. An announcement shared on Live Nation Brazil confirms that the band has scheduled a third and final show of the 2026 Power Up Tour in São Paulo on March 4th at the MorumBIS Stadium. The Pretty Reckless will serve as special guests.

Fans have expressed frustration over the ticket costs, which range between $85 and $320 (R$425 to R$1,590) through Ticketmaster Brazil. Several concertgoers took to social media to voice their concerns about the pricing structure.

One AC/DC fan criticized the ticket costs, stating: “What madness is this for the AC/DC show? Seriously, these absurd prices are out of the question. Even for an AC/DC show, this has gone beyond all limits. It’s been way over the top for a long time!”

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Another fan pointed out issues with the seating arrangement and pricing model: “They’re charging premium prices for the general admission area. They should have split the seating vertically or charged less for those watching from the back, not including fees. What a rip-off.”

The controversy highlights ongoing concerns among fans about ticket pricing practices for major concert tours, particularly in South America, where economic conditions make such prices especially burdensome.

The backlash in Brazil is part of a larger wave of discontent sweeping across South America. According to Baires Secreta, the pricing has become so extreme that fans have joked about needing to “ask the IMF for a loan” to afford tickets. This reflects the real economic strain on concertgoers in countries with weaker currencies and higher living costs.

In Argentina and Chile, the situation has proven even more severe. Live for Live Music reported that front-row tickets in Argentina cost nearly 40% of a typical monthly salary. This pricing makes them unattainable for many fans. The pricing strategy has sparked widespread frustration on social media and fan forums, with hundreds of negative comments flooding local fan pages across the region.

The controversy extends beyond just the band itself. Alternative Nation documented reports of technical problems with ticket sales. Fans have been blocked from purchasing tickets after multiple attempts and faced long virtual queues, further fueling frustration and accusations of corporate greed. Many fans feel that the pricing strategy prioritizes profit over accessibility. This becomes especially apparent when compared to other major international acts like Dua Lipa, who charge significantly less for comparable experiences.

The AC/DC 2026 Power Up Tour has become a flashpoint for broader debates about concert pricing, accessibility, and the role of corporate interests in live music. While the band’s return is highly anticipated, the controversy over ticket prices in South America has left many fans feeling alienated and frustrated. This raises important questions about whether the industry’s profit-driven approach is sustainable or ethical.

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