July 4th Summer Concert Battle: The Brits versus Beyoncé and Kid Rock

Feb 2, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; Rascal Flatts lead singer Gary LeVox performs during the CMT Crossroads Concert at the Sugar Mill. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

If you’re too young to remember the first British invasion, the summer of 2013 is your opportunity to make up for it. This summer, of the top 50 concerts ranked by average price on the secondary market, 34 are for British bands.

Leading the pack this summer are bands from two different generations: OneDirection and the Rolling Stones. One Direction was not even a twinkle in Simon Cowell’s eye the last time the Stones toured in 2005-2007. This year, however, they are side-by-side Mick Jagger and crew as the most expensive tour of the summer. In addition to these two British acts, there are a host of other British stalwarts making the rounds of U.S. arenas this summer, including the grandfather of the British invasion himself: Sir Paul McCartney.

The U.S., however, isn’t taking this invasion lying down. Playing for the Yanks is a mix of contemporary heavyweights like Beyoncé, Pink and Bruno Mars as well as some vintage acts like Fleetwood Mac, Bon Jovi and even Kiss.

Beyonce tickets are the most expensive for a U.S.-born act while Pink and Bruno Mars tickets follow closely behind. As you can see below, the average price for most of these shows is astronomically high. One Direction actually has 3 shows with an average price above $1,000. The good news, though, is that of all the major tours below, the Rolling Stones are the only tour that you can’t get into for under $100.

The real ace up the U.S.’ sleeve in the summer music battle is the most American of acts: Kid Rock. His tour, which kicked off on June 28th, made ticketing history when he announced that the entire tour would be priced at the flat rate of $20. Kid Rock Tickets now have an average price of $133 for the tour, but tickets can still be had for around $20 for most nights. The tour, which runs through September, features ZZ Top and Kool and the Gang alternating as the opening acts. Rock is informally calling it the “$20 Best Night Ever Tour”, and there’s nothing quite as American asa night out for $20. While the $20 tickets are an unprecedented move, his most important contribution to the summer concert season may be something that happens only after you’ve scanned your way into the show: $4 beers.

Top Summer Concert Tours, by Average Price on Secondary Market

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