Elvis Presley was one of the most iconic and influential musicians of the 20th century. Known as the “King of Rock and Roll”, Elvis skyrocketed to fame in the 1950s with his energetic stage presence, unique voice, and exciting fusion of country, gospel and rhythm and blues music. At the height of his career, Elvis was one of the highest-paid performers in the world, with legions of devoted fans who would pack stadiums and venues to see him perform.
What were Elvis tickets like in the 1950s?
When Elvis first burst onto the music scene in the mid-1950s, tickets to see him perform live were very inexpensive. In 1956, tickets to see Elvis perform at the Ellis Auditorium in Memphis, Tennessee were just $1 to $2. Adjusted for inflation, those tickets would be about $10 to $20 in today’s dollars. As Elvis’ fame grew exponentially over the next few years, so did ticket prices. By 1957, tickets to see Elvis at the Pan Pacific Auditorium in Los Angeles were selling for $4 to $5.50, which would be around $40 to $55 today. Demand for Elvis tickets was so high that his manager Colonel Tom Parker routinely oversold venues, knowing that many fans would still line up in hopes of getting in.
Average Ticket Prices During Elvis’ Peak Years
During the peak years of Elvis fever in the late 1950s, tickets to see Elvis perform live averaged around $5 to $10. Adjusted for inflation, that amount in today’s dollars would be:
Year | Average Ticket Price | Adjusted for Inflation (2023 dollars) |
---|---|---|
1957 | $5 | $50 |
1958 | $7 | $70 |
1959 | $10 | $100 |
So at the height of 1950s Elvis fever, tickets would cost between $50 to $100 in today’s prices to see the King perform live.
How did Elvis ticket prices change in the 1960s and 1970s?
As Elvis’ focus shifted to making movies in the 1960s, his live performances became less frequent. However, ticket prices continued to rise due to his enduring popularity. When Elvis returned to live performing in 1969, with a much publicized residency in Las Vegas, ticket prices were significantly higher than in the 1950s.
Average Elvis Ticket Prices in the 1960s
Year | Average Ticket Price | Adjusted for Inflation (2023 dollars) |
---|---|---|
1960 | $15 | $150 |
1965 | $20 | $200 |
1969 (Vegas) | $100 | $800 |
As we can see, Las Vegas ticket prices in 1969 were around $800 in today’s prices – a huge jump from his 1950s tours. Demand remained sky-high through the 1970s for Elvis’ concerts and tours. His 1973 Aloha from Hawaii via Satellite concert was seen by an estimated 1 billion people worldwide.
Average Elvis Ticket Prices in the 1970s
Year | Average Ticket Price | Adjusted for Inflation (2023 dollars) |
---|---|---|
1970 | $25 | $200 |
1975 | $50 | $300 |
1977 | $100 | $500 |
In the 1970s, Elvis tickets could cost anywhere from $200 to $500 in today’s prices. His final concerts before his untimely death in 1977 still generated huge demand, with average ticket prices around $500 in 2023 dollars.
How much are Elvis tickets for tribute shows today?
While it’s impossible to see Elvis himself perform live today, there are many Elvis tribute artists and shows that aim to recreate the magic and excitement of his live performances. Here are some average ticket prices for top Elvis tribute shows in 2023:
Las Vegas Elvis Tribute Shows
Show | Average Ticket Price |
---|---|
All Shook Up at Planet Hollywood | $60 |
Legends in Concert at Tropicana | $80 |
The Elvis Experience at Westgate | $50 |
Las Vegas remains one of the top spots to see Elvis tribute shows and performers. Tickets average about $50 to $80 for major Vegas productions.
Branson, MO Elvis Tribute Shows
Show | Average Ticket Price |
---|---|
The Elvis Live Orchestra | $60 |
The Blackwoods Back Up Elvis | $55 |
Legends in Concert | $55 |
In Branson, Missouri, another popular location for Elvis tributes, show tickets tend to run between $55 to $60 on average.
Other Major Elvis Tribute Tours
Show | Average Ticket Price |
---|---|
Elvis World Tour | $75 |
The Elvis Presley Songbook Tour | $60 |
Million Dollar Quartet | $65 |
For major touring Elvis tribute shows that hit arenas and theaters across the country, average ticket prices are generally $60 to $75 in 2023.
How do modern day Elvis ticket prices compare to when he was alive?
When adjusted for inflation, Elvis tickets cost significantly more during his lifetime, versus the tribute shows and acts seen today. Here is a comparison:
Event | Average Ticket Price (Adjusted) |
---|---|
Elvis in Concert (1957) | $75 |
Elvis Vegas Residency (1969) | $800 |
Elvis Tour (1975) | $300 |
Major Elvis Tribute Show (2023) | $75 |
While the biggest Elvis tribute shows today average around $75 a ticket, prices to actually see Elvis in the 1950s through 1970s could run into the hundreds or even thousands in today’s dollars. Fans are no longer able to see the real King himself, which has driven down prices dramatically compared to the demand when Elvis was alive.
Factors that determine Elvis tribute show ticket prices
There are a few key factors that determine the ticket prices for Elvis tribute shows and concerts today:
Venue Size and Location
Larger venues and popular locations like Las Vegas or Branson naturally command higher ticket prices. Smaller local venues will have cheaper tickets.
Production Quality
Shows with elaborate sets, costumes, backup band and dancers tend to have pricier tickets than smaller productions.
Reputation of Performer
The most skilled Elvis impersonators with a solid fanbase can charge more for their show tickets.
Demand and Scarcity
More popular shows that sell out venues quickly will drive up secondary market ticket prices.
How can you get the best deals on Elvis tribute show tickets?
If you want to experience an Elvis tribute show without breaking the bank, here are some tips:
- Book early – prices usually go up closer to the show date.
- Go off-peak – tickets midweek or for matinees are often cheaper.
- Browse resale sites – you can sometimes find deals on secondhand tickets.
- Ask about group rates – venues may offer discounts for groups.
- Watch for presales – sign up for fan clubs and mailing lists to get presale ticket access.
- Avoid convenience fees – choose print-at-home tickets instead of collect-at-venue tickets.
With some strategic planning, you can often find Elvis tribute show tickets for under $50 if you look in the right places and time your purchase right.
Conclusion
Seeing Elvis perform live at the height of his career was an incredible experience that came with ticket prices to match the demand. Adjusted for inflation, Elvis concert tickets could exceed $100 or even $1000 at some points during his career. While you can no longer see the real Elvis in concert today, there are still plenty of Elvis impersonators and tribute shows carrying on his legacy. Average ticket prices for these shows tend to run from $50 to $75. With some flexibility and smart shopping, you can still find tickets to Elvis tribute concerts at reasonable prices. Though no one can truly replicate seeing the King himself live, Elvis tribute shows let you re-experience a bit of that magic and excitement generations later.