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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Entertainment
Rosalind Adams

How much is being close to your favorite artist worth? Superfans are reshaping the concert industry

fans sit and stand outside a stadium
Fans wearing themed outfits sit and stand while waiting in line to be admitted to the Harry Styles Love On Tour 2022 concert at Madison Square Garden in New York City on 22 August 2022. Photograph: Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images

When Harry Styles announced a fall residency at Madison Square Garden, 43-year-old Tara Bess knew she had to be there. She didn’t want to spend hours camping for a prime spot in the general admission area, so Bess bought a VIP ticket for $1,400 from a resale ticket site, which allowed her to enter the arena early and secure a spot at the barricade.

“When you’re up close, you can see him closing his eyes and almost meditating to the music,” Bess said. “You can hear the click of equipment on stage, you just feel very connected to the performance.”

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