Although I agree that ticket prices are spiraling upwards, I can say that having seen Bon Iver and Metallica within a year of each other, Metallica's show costs a lot more because the set is a LOT bigger. I would not be shocked if the power alone for Metallica's stage cost more then the entire production cost of the Bon Iver show. They also didn't play the same size venue, but still. Bon Iver's stage production was nothing spectacular. They performed well, but it's not the same level of showmanship.
Metallica played at the Cowboys stadium and it was probably one of the top 3 largest stages I have ever seen. I think they could have done a lot more with it, but it was obviously extremely expensive. Metallica also had 4 opening bands, including Avenge Sevenfold who I previously had paid to see headline at the same venue Bon Iver had played at. High profile openers drives the costs of tickets up too.
I think the size of the production should dictate the cost more in my mind. For example, Rob Zombie's show is pretty insane these days. Huge stage production that clearly requires a ton of rehearsal and staff. And Manson opened for him. Those tickets where somehow cheaper than the Avett Brothers at the same venue, with almost the exact same seats. Avett puts on a great show, but their stage production was virtually zero. Lights and a banner. They run the stage with their personality and performance. But when it comes to bang for the buck... Zombie/Manson was a steal by comparison.
I will say I've grown very tired of shows the rely purely on a video screen for stage production. I get that those are expensive to program, put up, and move. But it's so over done. Give me some theatrics! That is something I would expect Tool to deliver on.
