Big Bucks For The Boss' Bashes

Rocker Bruce Springsteen is raising money for charity with two holiday concerts in New Jersey, but the charities may see very little of the top prices some concertgoers are paying.

Bids on eBay for the tickets, which have a face value of $100 each, are topping $700, violating New Jersey law and causing promoters to use unusual measures to prevent scalping.

Three pairs and one single ticket to the sold-out shows were listed recently at prices ranging from $750 to $2,000 for the pairs and $780 for the single seat.

As co-anchor Julie Chen reported on The Early Show, that's more than seven times face value, a violation of New Jersey law, which prohibits a licensed ticket broker from reselling tickets, even for a charity event, for more than 50 percent of the face value.

Jeff Lamm, a spokesman for the state Division of Consumer Affairs, says individuals reselling a ticket may not get more than 20 percent above the face value.

However, eBay spokesman Hani Durzy says different regulations apply if the seller lives outside New Jersey. That contention was disputed by the Consumer Affairs Division. Lamm wouldn't comment to the Associated Press on whether the agency was investigating.

Show organizer Tony Pellagrosi said measures were taken to reduce scalping: A person could buy only two tickets, and the tickets could only be obtained at the venue, Harry's Roadhouse, before showtime, he said. Once the tickets were picked up, holders would be brought inside to prevent sidewalk scalping, he said.

The two concerts Sunday at the restaurant, for just 500 people each, are to benefit charities in Asbury Park, where the Jersey-born rocker rose to fame.
Billed as a "Christmas Jam" featuring Bruce Springsteen with Bobby Bandiera and Friends," the afternoon and evening concerts will raise funds for local organizations.

Springsteen is offering a chance to win free tickets to those who shop in Asbury Park Dec. 4-18.

Prior holiday benefits have been at a 3,000-seat oceanside venue.