Concertgoers Left in the Dark: Ticketmaster's Refund Debacle

In a disappointing turn of events, a CBS13 viewer found herself stranded when a highly anticipated Styx and Foreigner concert in the East Bay was canceled due to a power outage. Despite the inconvenience, Ticketmaster's refusal to provide a refund left the concertgoer feeling frustrated and disillusioned with the ticketing giant's customer service practices.

Reliving the Glory Days of Rock 'n' Roll

Vicki LaBourdette, a Davis resident, has long been a fan of the classic rock sounds of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Her love for the genre was sparked by her attendance at the iconic California Jam Concert in 1978, where she and a longtime friend witnessed the performances of their favorite bands. "It brings back memories of my childhood, you know?" LaBourdette reminisced. "It brings me back to a time in my life."

A Highly Anticipated Reunion

Eager to relive those cherished memories, LaBourdette and her friend, who now resides in Bakersfield, purchased tickets to see Styx and Foreigner perform together at the Concord Pavilion in June. The prospect of reuniting to enjoy the music they had grown up with filled them with excitement.

The Lights Go Out

However, their plans were dashed when a power outage struck the Concord Pavilion on the evening of the concert. "Not one, not one," LaBourdette lamented, referring to the fact that they didn't get to hear a single note from their beloved rock groups.

The Financial Toll

The disappointment was compounded by the financial burden the canceled concert placed on the friends. In addition to the cost of the concert tickets, they had also incurred expenses for the drive to Concord, a hotel room, dinner, and premium parking, totaling a significant sum.

Ticketmaster's Refusal

When LaBourdette and her friend sought a refund from Ticketmaster, they were met with a disappointing response. The ticketing company claimed that all sales were final, despite the fact that the concert had been canceled due to circumstances beyond the concertgoers' control.

A Troubling Pattern

LaBourdette's experience is not an isolated incident. The live concert industry has long been the subject of scrutiny, with states and the U.S. Attorney General suing Ticketmaster and its parent company, Live Nation, for allegedly monopolizing the market and limiting consumer choices, leading to higher prices.

A Glimmer of Hope

However, in this case, a glimmer of hope emerged when CBS13 reached out to Ticketmaster about LaBourdette's refund request. Within an hour, the company refunded her money, acknowledging it as a one-time courtesy.

A Lasting Impression

Despite the resolution, LaBourdette's experience has left a lasting impression. She vowed never to attend another concert if Ticketmaster is the exclusive ticket seller, citing the unfair treatment she received and the belief that many others likely lost money that night.The Concord Pavilion power outage and Ticketmaster's initial refusal to provide a refund have highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by concertgoers in the live music industry. As the debate over the industry's practices continues, this incident serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the importance of consumer rights and the need for greater transparency and accountability in the ticketing landscape.