Back in Anger: Government to Review Ticket Pricing After Oasis Reunion Tour Sparks Outrage Over Costs

Sky-high prices for Oasis reunion tour tickets leave fans frustrated; government to examine variable pricing strategies

"Looks like it's time to look back in anger," commented a disappointed Oasis enthusiast on social media, expressing dissatisfaction with the ticketing process for the much-awaited tour.

Monday, September 2, 2024 12:44

The administration has committed to investigating fluctuating ticket prices following a significant increase in the cost of tickets during the sale for the Oasis reunion tour.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy expressed disappointment over the high prices of Oasis tickets, announcing that surge pricing will be examined in the government's evaluation of the secondary market for concert tickets.

On Saturday, enthusiasts of the globally renowned music group spent hours in digital lines, eager to secure tickets for next year's much-anticipated reunion concerts.

After enduring long lines and extensive delays, numerous attendees were confronted with ticket costs significantly exceeding their original price.

Many voiced their frustration online after noticing that tickets with an original price of £148 were being resold for £355 on Ticketmaster shortly after they went on sale, a result of the dynamic pricing models employed.

Over the weekend, Ms. Nandy stated that the government would examine these problems and the technology that promotes queuing systems in a forthcoming consultation.

She expressed her disappointment, stating, "Following the thrilling announcement of Oasis's reunion, it's disheartening to witness the exorbitant ticket prices which prevent regular fans from experiencing their beloved band in concert."

"This administration is dedicated to recentering fans as the core focus of the music industry."

"In our upcoming discussion on consumer protection measures for ticket resales, we plan to address matters concerning the clarity and application of dynamic pricing, as well as the technological aspects of queueing systems that encourage such pricing strategies."

"By collaborating with artists, the industry, and supporters, we can develop a more equitable system that eradicates the problems of scalpers and overpriced resales, guaranteeing fairly priced tickets."

What does dynamic pricing mean?

This system, which adjusts prices based on demand, was rolled out by Ticketmaster in 2022.

The measure was implemented to prevent scalping and to increase the revenue that artists receive.

When demand for tickets is high and supply is low, prices tend to increase.

In response to frustrations about the cost of Oasis's tickets, the company clarified that they do not determine pricing and provided a link to a website explaining that prices can be "set or subject to market fluctuations."

On its official site, Ticketmaster explains that the prices of its "Platinum" tickets fluctuate based on market dynamics.

The purpose of the dynamic pricing system is to ensure that fans can purchase tickets in a fair and secure manner, while also allowing artists and event organizers to set prices that more accurately reflect the actual market value of the tickets.

The business states that prices are determined and dynamic pricing options are selected by the artists, their management teams, and the event promoters.

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Cabinet member Lucy Powell faced the impact of dynamic pricing this past Saturday, ultimately paying over twice the initially stated price for a ticket to an Oasis concert.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) supported the announcement of the government's evaluation.

A representative stated: "Our goal is for fans to receive equitable treatment when purchasing tickets through secondary platforms, and we have initiated measures against prominent reselling sites to enforce compliance with consumer protection laws.

"We believe additional safeguards for consumers are necessary, and it's encouraging that the government is seeking to tackle this issue. We are eager to collaborate with them to achieve optimal results for supporters and businesses that play by the rules."

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The news followed an announcement made last Tuesday by Noel and Liam Gallagher about the much-anticipated reunion of their band.

Dynamic pricing is widely employed in sectors beyond music, notably in the travel industry for pricing hotel accommodations and airline seats.

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Jack Antonoff, who often works with Taylor Swift, has previously expressed concerns about dynamic pricing.

He informed Stereogum of his desire for artists to have the option to withdraw from the system and set their own prices for their works.

Efforts have been made to reach out to Ticketmaster for a

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