The controversy surrounding Rush’s reunion tour continues to grow — and this time, the criticism isn’t just about fans being “priced out.” Musician Bob Wegner, who has deep respect for the legendary band, says even Rush themselves are being ripped off by the current concert industry system.
With Ticketmaster and Live Nation under increasing scrutiny from both fans and artists, Wegner’s comments echo the frustrations of many who believe the modern live music scene has become dominated by greed and corporate control.
“Most of the Money Goes to Billionaires, Not the Artist”
In a passionate post, Wegner expressed his admiration for Rush while condemning the skyrocketing ticket prices that have alienated longtime fans.
“Rush. I love and respect these guys beyond any reasonable description, and their music has been the soundtrack of my life,” he wrote. “But I just couldn’t pull the trigger.”
After ten minutes in the presale queue, Wegner said the cheapest tickets he could find were $841 for two — and he made it clear where he believes that money goes.
“Most of which goes to billionaires, not the artist,” he continued. “If rent wasn’t double that, I might’ve been able to consider it. But alas this is late-stage capitalism. We’re getting fleeced left, right and centre. And I need a roof over my head before I can attend obscenely expensive concerts.”
Rush Are Not Being Paid Fairly
Wegner went further, stating that even Rush themselves are getting “scammed” when it comes to their earnings from major promoters.
“I’ve played Live Nation gigs, and I know exactly how much money the artist gets — it’s pennies on the dollar,” he said. “It’s a complete scam, even if you’re famous.”
He explained that the dominance of Live Nation and Ticketmaster has created a near-total monopoly on major concert venues.
“Before we think of blaming the band,” he added, “remember that the billionaire promoter has a monopoly on most of the world’s large concert venues. If they want to play anything larger than a theatre, this is the game now.”
Fans and Artists Are Both Losing
Wegner’s frustration mirrors that of countless fans who say the Rush presale left them priced out, with standard tickets instantly replaced by inflated “platinum” listings.
But Wegner argues that the problem runs even deeper — that the system hurts both the fans and the artists.
“I will forever cherish those memories as a teenager repeatedly listening to Exit Stage Left, learning the arrangements of those songs in my head before I even owned an instrument I could play them on,” he wrote.
“I would love to be in the same room as Geddy and Alex, to celebrate their incredible career with them. But it’s just not in the realm of possibility for most of us now.”
“This Isn’t Music Anymore — It’s Medieval Kings Owning the Village”
In his closing thoughts, Wegner compared today’s concert industry to a feudal system, where wealthy corporations control every aspect of live music.
“I saw Rush on several tours for about $50,” he said. “This isn’t music anymore — this is medieval kings owning the village, with 90% of us in the peasant class. I’ll be watching on YouTube.”
His words struck a chord with many longtime fans who feel the same way — nostalgic for an era when live shows were accessible, and when artists, not corporations, benefited most from their success.
Kid Rock, Pearl Jam, and Others Have Spoken Out Too
Wegner’s remarks come after several major artists — including Kid Rock, The Cure’s Robert Smith, and Pearl Jam — have called out Live Nation and Ticketmaster for their control over ticket pricing, fees, and distribution.
Earlier this year, Kid Rock accused the companies of “ripping off both the fans and the artists,” demanding more transparency in how revenue is split.
As more musicians and fans voice their outrage, pressure continues to mount on the ticketing giants to reform their business practices — or face increasing backlash from the very community that sustains them.
A Harsh Reality for Music Fans
For Rush fans, this was supposed to be a joyful reunion — a once-in-a-lifetime chance to celebrate the music that shaped generations. Instead, it’s become another reminder of how corporate greed has reshaped live entertainment into something many can no longer afford to experience.
“I’ll always love Rush,” Wegner concluded. “But I can’t afford to show it anymore.”
