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Attending a concert by your favorite band or artist is an incredible experience, but securing those tickets can be a challenge. With tickets often selling out within minutes, it’s essential to be prepared. Here’s the ultimate guide on how to maximize your chances of getting concert tickets, even for the most in-demand events. This is exactly how I got tickets to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour (Hamburg) and Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres World Tour (Munich).
Quicklinks
Subscribe to the Band's Newsletter and Updates
This is arguably the most important step. Bands frequently use their newsletters not only to share the latest news but also to announce upcoming events and tours. Additionally, these newsletters often contain exclusive presale codes, giving loyal fans early access to tickets before they’re available to the general public. For example, I received a Coldplay presale code and managed to secure my ticket quickly after the presale started.
Important: Once you receive the newsletter, be sure to follow the instructions carefully. Sometimes, you need to register for the presale, and you’ll receive a personalized code a few days before the tickets go on sale.
Action Tip: Visit the official website of the bands or artists you love and subscribe to their mailing lists. Keep an eye out for any special announcements or presale opportunities.
Subscribe to Major Ticket Sales and Distribution Companies
In addition to band newsletters, subscribing to major ticket sales and distribution companies is crucial. Companies like Ticketmaster, Live Nation, and Eventim frequently handle ticket sales for big concerts and events. By creating an account and subscribing to their updates, you’ll receive notifications about upcoming concerts, presale dates, and sometimes even presale codes.
Example: I’m based in Germany but often travel to the UK, so I’m registered with Ticketmaster DE, Ticketmaster UK (each country/region has its own Ticketmaster site, so they share news specific to their region), Live Nation UK, and Eventim Germany for broader coverage of events across Europe.
Action Tip: Set up accounts with the major ticket distribution companies in your region or the regions you are interested in, and subscribe to their newsletters. This will ensure you stay up to date with ticket sales and presale opportunities.
Be Ready Before Tickets Go on Sale
So you are ready to buy the tickets? Preparation is key when it comes to securing concert tickets. Tickets often sell out within minutes, so being ready at least 30 minutes before the official sale starts is essential.
Here’s what you can do:
Set a reminder for the ticket sale time and make sure you’re logged in to your account and ready to go.
Keep the ticket page open in a tab, ensuring you’re already in the queue when sales start.
Avoid refreshing your browser once you’re in the queue to prevent losing your place.
Plan Your Concerts Well in Advance
For big and famous artists, tour announcements can happen as early as a year in advance. For instance, tickets for Coldplay and Taylor Swift’s tours went on sale a full year before the actual shows. Adele announcing her Munich residency for August in January was actually quite late planning for such a big name in comparison with other bands. What I’m saying is, if you want to see a major show, you need to be ready to buy tickets well in advance.
Consider Resale Sites
If you didn’t manage to get tickets during the official sale, missed the sale, or decided to attend the show last minute, don’t worry. You can check official sites like Ticketmaster (resale tickets are displayed in the same way as a regular tickets) or Eventim Fansale (separate platform by Eventim for tickets resale for Germany), as they have their own resale platforms, ensuring the tickets are 100% valid. I’ve bought resold tickets to see Harry Styles in London from Ticketmaster UK and Nickelback in Cologne from Ticketmaster DE. Also when buying from these platforms is more likely that you can find a tickets at the face value as they try to regulate the pricing.
There are also third-party sites like StubHub. I’ve used it to sell my Taylor Swift tickets, and I know that many fans use this site as well. It’s generally valid, but of course, it’s riskier than official resale sites. And the prices on 3rd party sites are always way higher.
Final Thoughts
Getting concert tickets can be a stressful experience, especially for popular events. However, by following these tips—subscribing to band newsletters, registering with major ticket distributors, and preparing well in advance—you’ll greatly improve your chances of securing your spot at the next big show. Remember, the key is to stay informed and be ready when the tickets go on sale.
Good luck, and enjoy the concert!