“And so Live nation markets a performance by Michelle Obama like a concert by Beyoncé or Taylor Swift. There were a few cheap tickets, for 30 dollars or so, but they were sold out within a few seconds. Most people in the hall probably paid between 200 and 1000 dollars for the evening, depending on the seat. For the big Obama fans, Live Nation also put together so-called VIP packages. For 3000 dollars there was a place in the first row, plus a reception before the event, an “individual photo opportunity” with Michelle and a signed copy of her book. In rows two to five, this package cost 2750 dollars. For 1300 dollars you still got a group photo with Obama. And a parking space for the car in the hall’s parking garage, which would otherwise have cost 120 dollars. All prices plus fees and taxes.”
– “Cash me if you can”, Süddeutsche Zeitung from November 27, 2018, No. 273
