Government to Review Dynamic Pricing After Oasis Ticket Outrage; Fans and Officials Call for Fairness in Live Music Ticketing

Sky-high costs for Oasis concert tickets leave fans disheartened; officials vow to examine fluctuating pricing strategies

"Looks like it's time to look back in anger," commented an Oasis enthusiast on social media, expressing frustration over the ticketing process for the eagerly awaited comeback tour.

Monday, September 2, 2024, 12:

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

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy labeled the high pricing of Oasis concert tickets as "depressing" and announced that dynamic pricing would be part of the government's examination of the secondary ticket market for live events.

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

After enduring long lines and significant delays, numerous attendees were confronted with ticket costs that greatly exceeded their original prices.

Many voiced their frustration online after tickets, originally priced at £148, surged to £355 on Ticketmaster shortly after going on sale, a result of the dynamic pricing models used.

Over the weekend, Ms. Nandy stated that upcoming government consultations would address these problems, including the technology that supports queuing systems and encourages their use.

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

"The administration is dedicated to re-centering fans as the core focus of the music industry."

In our upcoming discussion on consumer protection measures for ticket resales, we plan to cover topics related to the transparency and implementation of dynamic pricing, as well as the technology behind queue systems that promote it.

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

What does dynamic pricing mean?

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

The measure was implemented to prevent scalping and to make sure that artists receive a greater share of the earnings.

Typically, when many people want tickets and there aren't many available, the prices tend to increase.

In response to the backlash regarding the cost of Oasis concert tickets, the company clarified that they do not determine ticket pricing and provided a link to a website which explained that prices could be either "set or subject to market fluctuations."

On its official site, Ticketmaster defines "Platinum" tickets as those whose prices fluctuate based on market conditions.

The objective of the dynamic pricing system is to ensure that tickets are accessible to fans in a fair and secure manner, while also allowing artists and event organizers to set ticket prices that more accurately reflect their market value.

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

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Government official Lucy Powell was affected by surge pricing last Saturday, ultimately paying over twice the initially quoted price for a ticket to see Oasis perform.

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

A representative stated, "It's important to us that fans receive equitable treatment when purchasing tickets from secondary markets. We have already addressed this issue with key resale platforms to enforce compliance with consumer protection laws."

"We believe that additional safeguards for consumers are necessary, so it's 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 ethical companies."

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The news followed Noel and Liam Gallagher's announcement last Tuesday that the band would finally be getting back together.

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

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

He explained to Stereogum that he wishes for artists to have the option to withdraw from the system and set their own prices for sales.

Attempts were made to reach Ticketmaster for a response.

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