Comp Tickets

Comp tickets (complimentary tickets) are free admissions allocated to the artist for each show — distributed to friends, family, industry contacts, and promotional guests via the guest list. The number of comps is specified in the deal memo and tracked during settlement.

How comp allocations work

The contract specifies a set number of complimentary tickets per show. The tour manager distributes them across the touring party — the artist gets the most, band members get a few, and sometimes management and crew have a small allocation. Unused comps don't carry over.

Comps and settlement

Comp tickets affect settlement math. On percentage-based or versus deals, comps reduce the ticket count that generates revenue. Promoters track comp usage and it appears on the settlement sheet. Excessive comp requests beyond the contractual allocation require promoter approval.