Fan Fury and Government Scrutiny: The Controversy Over Oasis Reunion Tour’s Soaring Ticket Prices

Sky-high Oasis concert ticket costs 'disheartening' – government to examine fluctuating pricing practices

"Time to revisit our frustration," posted an Oasis enthusiast on social media, expressing dismay over the ticketing process for the eagerly awaited comeback tour.

Monday, September 2, 2024, at 12

The authorities have pledged to investigate fluctuating ticket prices following a significant increase in the cost of tickets during the sale period for the Oasis reunion tour.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy labeled the high pricing of Oasis concert tickets as "depressing," announcing that such surge pricing will be examined in a government review targeting the secondary market for concert ticket sales.

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 individuals discovered that the cost of tickets was substantially above the original selling price.

Several people took to social media to vent their frustration after tickets originally priced at £148 were listed for £355 on Ticketmaster just hours after they went on sale, a result of the dynamic pricing models used.

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

She expressed disappointment, stating: "With Oasis making a comeback, it's disheartening to witness such steep ticket prices, which prevent regular fans from experiencing their beloved band in concert."

"The administration is dedicated to recentering fans at the core of the music industry."

"In our upcoming consultation on consumer protections for ticket resales, we plan to address concerns related to the transparency and application of dynamic pricing, as well as the technologies that support queuing systems which encourage its use."

"By collaborating with artists, the industry, and concertgoers, we can establish a more equitable system that eliminates the problems of scalpers and overpriced ticket resales, guaranteeing reasonably priced tickets for all."

Dynamic pricing explained:

This is a pricing strategy that Ticketmaster started using in 2022, which adjusts prices based on consumer demand.

The measure was introduced to prevent scalping and to direct more funds towards the performers.

In essence, when there's high demand for tickets and a scarce supply, prices tend to increase.

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

On its official site, Ticketmaster defines its "Platinum" tickets as those priced based on the principles of supply and demand.

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

The firm asserts that it is the artists, their management, and event organizers who determine the prices and decide if dynamic pricing will be applied to their events.

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Cabinet member Lucy Powell found herself affected by surge 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) expressed support for the government's decision to conduct a review.

A representative stated, "It's our priority that fans receive equitable treatment when purchasing tickets on the secondary market, and we have initiated measures against significant resale platforms to enforce compliance with consumer protection laws."

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

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The announcement of the band getting back together was made official last Tuesday by Noel and Liam Gallagher.

Dynamic pricing is widely adopted in sectors beyond music, notably in the travel industry, where it is often applied to pricing hotel accommodations and airline fares.

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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 exit the system and set their own prices for their work.

Efforts have been made to reach Ticketmaster for a response.

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