Rush’s long-awaited reunion tour was expected to be a major success, but early reports suggest that ticket sales may not be meeting expectations. Fans on Reddit’s Rush community have voiced growing concern about the pace of sales, especially for the band’s second Montreal date. The debate has sparked questions about whether adding extra shows was the right call—or whether the pricing strategy has backfired.
Some fans believe the slow sales are directly tied to inflated prices. Many noted that while excitement for Rush’s return remains strong, the cost of entry has created barriers for even the most loyal followers. “There’s plenty of fans like me out there who refuse to pay these ridiculous ticket prices,” one fan wrote, reflecting a sentiment shared by many. For some, the nostalgia simply isn’t worth the premium.
Others, however, remain patient. With nearly a year before the first show, some fans argue that early concerns may be premature. “It’s still almost a year away. It will sell just fine,” one Reddit user replied. Whether this optimism holds true will depend on how quickly sales pick up in the months leading up to the tour’s launch.
Pricing Woes and Fan Backlash
Ticket prices appear to be the main point of contention. Mid-tier seats reportedly cost between $350 and $400, with even the cheapest options surpassing $300. For many, that’s more than triple what they paid during Rush’s 2015 R40 Live tour. The jump has left longtime concertgoers frustrated, especially when comparing these costs to the more modest prices of previous decades.
This sticker shock has had visible effects in several markets. According to Alternative Nation, many seats remain unsold in cities like Detroit, Washington D.C., and Philadelphia. These markets would typically sell out quickly for a band of Rush’s stature, which suggests that something about this pricing model isn’t resonating with fans.
The high prices have also amplified broader frustrations across the live music scene. Fans are increasingly weary of ticket surcharges, dynamic pricing models, and perceived exploitation by promoters. Rush’s reunion—once a cause for celebration—has unintentionally become part of a larger conversation about fairness and access in concert ticketing.
The Expansion That Backfired
Ironically, the tour’s slow start may be partially rooted in its own early success. The initial announcement generated so much buzz that Rush and their promoters expanded the schedule to 58 shows across 24 cities, according to Ultimate Classic Rock. This included multiple nights in key cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Toronto—locations where Rush’s loyal fan base typically shows up in force.
However, this expansion might have spread demand too thin. While the first dates generated strong initial sales, the added nights have been slower to move. The move to add more shows made sense on paper—especially after years of anticipation—but it may have overestimated how many fans are willing to pay premium prices multiple times over.
For Rush, this could become a case study in balancing hype with realistic demand. The fanbase’s enthusiasm remains undeniable, but their willingness to spend may not stretch as far as promoters hoped. A reunion of this scale demands precision, and even small missteps in pricing or scheduling can ripple through ticket performance nationwide.
A Lesson for Legacy Bands
Some in the industry believe the band’s pricing strategy was designed to outsmart scalpers. By setting official prices near secondary-market levels, Rush could theoretically retain revenue that would otherwise go to resellers. But in practice, this move appears to have backfired—alienating average fans while leaving sections of arenas unsold.
If the goal was to control the market, it may have overlooked a key factor: emotional connection. Rush fans have waited nearly a decade to see the trio perform again. But nostalgia can only go so far when faced with steep price tags and economic uncertainty. The disappointment surrounding these ticket prices could undercut the goodwill that made the reunion possible in the first place.
As discussions continue within the fan community, the outcome of Rush’s ticket sales may serve as a wake-up call for other classic rock acts planning their own comebacks. Legacy bands now face a delicate balance—honoring loyal fans while navigating the evolving economics of live music. Whether Rush’s team adjusts their approach or doubles down remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the band’s reunion is already sparking more debate than anyone expected.