The answer is... lazy promoters use the bands to do all the work but they keep all the money. F those promoters and venues. Musicians and bands aren't doing this for the exposure.
I'm quite lucky and have access to a hospitality suite at London O2 so normally use that for big gigs.
I usually go down smaller, local venues to see bands nowadays.
But, but, we're for immigration when it gives us doctors, nurses, carers, hospitality staff... we didn't vote Brexit just because of immigration - honest!
Ghost are interesting.
Metalheads can be rather fickle sometimes. Desperate for something new to come along after years of metalcore/screamo and when it does i.e. classic metal riffs and powerful clean vocals albeit with pop style hooks and lyrics about devil worship, they don't like it!
I saw them in Portland, OR in 2019 - absolutely fantastic live show.