Have the Rolling Stones Finally Priced Themselves Out of the Market?

Would you trade a digital camera for Stones tickets?

How about buying $1,212 worth of tickets for 40 percent off and a voucher for $100 of wine?

Those are some of the offers on Craigslist for tickets to Sunday's show by the band called by some "the greatest rock and roll band in the world" at Oakland's Oracle Arena and the San Jose show May 8 at HP Pavilion. Sellers cover the entire Bay Area and Santa Cruz.

And as its members push into their seventies, many are saying that this is most likely the last time they can see the band. (Something that people have been saying, oh, for about 50 years.)

Throughout their history the Stones have been at the forefront of raising ticket prices. The best seats at their 2006 shows were $500. Now, with list prices of $150-$650 and special packages over $1,200 that include souvenir programs and food, some critics say that the band has pushed past the market limit.

Writes music industry analyst Bob Lefsetz:

"But this time around, prices are so damn high the public is balking, which surprises even me, because this truly looks like the last tour. 

"But what we've learned here is the mania surrounding recent Stones shows has been created by the press, there's just not that much demand, people cared more about Miley Cyrus and Beanie Babies. Yes, parents care more about their kids than decrepit rockers."

Music fan Rob Orme, from Campbell, took the band to task on his Facebook page for the high prices.

"Wanna know why there are still tickets available for The Rolling Stones' show next week at HP Pavilion in San Jose? I was curious so I checked yesterday. The LOWEST priced tickets still available are in the upper deck on the side of the stage. They are $247 each. Two tickets including fees comes to $545. Are you kidding me?? I sat in the upper deck at Oracle Arena for The Who three months ago for $37.50 + fees. I hope Mick and Keith walk out there to a half-empty arena."

Often when a band can't sell all of the tickets, the promoters do something called "papering the house," which means dropping off piles of tickets to radio stations or businesses or charities to give away free and make sure the seats are filled.

Lefsetz wrote that the Stones would likely do that.

Meanwhile, with the first show Sunday in Oakland, there are more than 40 offers to sell tickets and only two to buy – one of them for $50.

Here are a couple of interesting ones:

"Face value is $1,212 - you can have these for only $720! Check out the seating chart at Oracle ... these seats are just left of center for great views and sound! These are the best seats I saw available on Cragislist. These are hard copy tickets Ticketmaster mailed to me directly. They come with a voucher for $100 worth of wine, which brings the value to nearly half off!"

"I bought two extra tickets I can't use and want to make sure I can sell them now. They were $606.50 each with fees, I am selling them for $300 each, together only. You can't beat the price! Section 110, Row 23, Seats 19 and 20. These are Ticketmaster tickets printed at Walmart Ticketmaster Retail Location, I can verify them with the receipt. Cash only, meet in person in public place in Oakland or Berkeley."

"Two tickets to Stones at Oracle Arena. I paid $635 each. will sell for $300 each. "

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