Yungblud on the Biggest Lie in the Music Industry

CNBC International
CNBC InternationalApr 4, 2026

Why It Matters

By rejecting conventional ticket‑pricing models and monetizing ancillary sales, Yungblud signals a shift that could force the music industry to adopt more fan‑centric, sustainable revenue structures.

Key Takeaways

  • Rejecting 'that's just the way it is' fuels industry innovation
  • Ticket pricing structures are alienating fans and limiting concert access
  • Yungblud chooses fan accessibility over direct revenue from music
  • Merchandise and food sales become primary profit drivers at shows
  • Treating the brand as a single pot allows flexible loss‑making

Summary

Yungblud argues the biggest lie in music is the acceptance of the status quo, saying "that's just the way it is" stifles progress. He uses his own experience to illustrate how entrenched practices limit both artists and fans.

He highlights ticket pricing as a core grievance, describing a U.S. show where 2,000 fans were turned away while only 500 cheap seats remained. He says he lacks control over pricing, which makes concerts inaccessible and fuels his frustration.

Yungblud states he will not earn money directly from the music itself; instead he plans to bring tens of thousands of fans together and monetize through merchandise, food, and other ancillary sales. He likens his operation to a single pot where some components lose money to support others.

The approach challenges traditional music‑industry economics, suggesting artists can prioritize accessibility and community while sustaining profitability through diversified revenue streams. If adopted broadly, it could pressure promoters and venues to rethink pricing structures and give artists more leverage over their brand economics.

Original Description

Rock star Yungblud has built a global fanbase of more than 20 million. Now he’s turning that audience into a business. But not in the traditional way.
Instead of relying on music alone, he has built a model where different parts of the brand support each other, from live events to merchandise and experiences.
His festival, Bludfest, is designed to stay accessible, even if that means making less money in one part of the business to grow another.
“In music and in any business, the biggest lie you are is, 'well, that's just the way it is...' The way it is, was an innovative idea once,” he told CNBC’s Tania Bryer.
Watch the full CNBC Meets interview with Yungblud at the link below.
#CNBC #CNBCMeets #Yungblud
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