Do Music Journalists Deserve Free Tickets?

The apparent snubbing of High Times editor-at-large Steve Bloom by the Black Crowes’ management, as we reported Friday, has sparked the debate over comped tickets for journalists at Bloom’s blog, and opinions of industry p.r. reps on the subject vary wildly:

You’ve gotta understand that “comp” tickets are complimentary to you, but they’re not free. The record label, or the artist, pays for them.

…

If you really want to go, just buy a ticket like the rest of us music-loving concert goers.

…

This is really odd to me. My policy has always been that if someone is covering a show for a specific assignment they get in! Maybe the Black Crowes just don’t want press anymore. Then why have a publicist?

EARLIER: The Black Crowes’ Management Snubs High Times Editor’s Ticket Request; Planet Does Not Appear to Spontaneously Combust

Create a social media strategy, launch your campaign, and track the results in our Social Media Marketing Boot Camp starting February 16. The online event and workshop will feature speakers including The Onion‘s Baratunde Thurston (left), Facebook’s Morin Oluwole, and bitly’s Tim Devane. Register now.