Jackson May Be Sold Out but Mania Is Missing

Measured strictly in terms of money, Michael Jackson means big business for the brokers who hold most of the available tickets to Jackson’s sold-out dates at Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre and the Los Angeles Sports Arena this month.

But, several brokers say, the mania is missing.

“There’s no mystique or hype about it,” said Rick Kline, co-owner of the multioutlet Front Row Center Ticket Service. “It’s just a show, although he’s very popular.”

Kline and Susan Taylor, Los Angeles office manager for another broker, Ticket Time, said the fact that Jackson tickets went on sale--and instantly sold out--in May has made for a much less feverish ticket grab than they saw leading up to Bruce Springsteen’s last dates in Los Angeles.

Jackson tickets are selling for up to $450 for prime orchestra seats (face value: $55), based on a survey of several brokers. Fans willing to settle for seating on the lawn at Irvine Meadows, where Jackson plays Monday through Wednesday, can find prices in the $35 to $55 range.

Most brokers said Springsteen tickets commanded a somewhat higher price than the going rate for Jackson. But Brian Harlig, partner in Good Time Tickets, said Jackson’s drawing power shouldn’t be minimized: “Nine nights. That’s unprecedented. Those are a lot of seats to sell out.”