Back in Anger: Government to Review Ticket Pricing After Oasis Tour Outrage

Skyrocketing prices for Oasis concert tickets leave fans dismayed; officials vow to examine variable pricing methods.

"Time to revisit 'Don't Look Back in Anger'," commented a fan on social media, expressing frustration over the ticketing process for the eagerly awaited comeback tour.

Monday, September 2, 2024, 12:

The authorities have committed to investigating fluctuating ticket prices following a significant increase in the cost of tickets for the Oasis reunion tour during the sales period.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy expressed her dismay over the high prices of Oasis concert tickets, labeling the situation as "depressing." She announced that surge pricing would be examined as part of a government evaluation of the secondary market for concert tickets.

On Saturday, enthusiasts of the globally renowned music group spent hours in online lines, eager to secure tickets for one of next year’s comeback concerts.

After enduring long lines and significant delays, numerous attendees were faced with ticket costs that greatly exceeded the original price.

People took to social media to voice their frustration after seeing tickets originally priced at £148 being resold for £355 on Ticketmaster shortly after they were made available, a result of the dynamic pricing strategies employed.

Over the weekend, Ms. Nandy stated that the government plans to review concerns including the technology that supports queuing systems and promotes them in a forthcoming consultation.

She expressed disappointment: "Following the exciting announcement of Oasis's comeback, it's disheartening to witness the exorbitant ticket prices that prevent everyday 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 public discussion regarding consumer protection measures for ticket reselling, we plan to address concerns related to the transparency and implementation of dynamic pricing, as well as the technology supporting queuing mechanisms that encourage such pricing strategies.

"By collaborating with artists, the industry, and concertgoers, we can develop a more equitable system that eliminates the problems caused by scalpers and overpriced ticket resales, ensuring that tickets are sold at reasonable prices."

What is dynamic pricing?

Ticketmaster rolled out this demand-driven pricing model in 2022.

It was implemented to curb scalping and to increase the earnings of the artists.

When there's high demand and scarce availability of tickets, their prices tend to increase.

In response to frustration regarding the cost of Oasis tickets, the company clarified that it does not determine ticket pricing and provided a link to a website explaining that prices may be "set or variable based on the market."

On its official site, Ticketmaster characterizes its "Platinum" tickets as those whose prices fluctuate based on market dynamics of supply and demand.

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

The firm states that the responsibility for setting prices and deciding on the use of dynamic pricing for their events rests with the artists, their management teams, and the promoters.

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Cabinet member Lucy Powell fell victim to surge pricing this past Saturday, ultimately paying over twice the initially stated price for a ticket to see Oasis perform.

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

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

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

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

Dynamic pricing is widely adopted in various sectors, notably in the travel industry, where it is commonly applied to hotel accommodations and flights.

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Jack Antonoff, a regular collaborator with Taylor Swift, has previously expressed concerns about dynamic pricing.

He explained to Stereogum that he wished for artists to have the option to not participate in the system and to set their own prices for their work.

Efforts have been made to obtain a statement from Ticketmaster.

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