Government to Review Ticket Pricing After Outcry Over Oasis Reunion Tour Costs

Sky-high Oasis concert ticket prices leave fans disheartened; government vows to scrutinize variable pricing methods

"Time to revisit our frustration," commented an Oasis enthusiast online, expressing discontent over the ticketing process for the much-awaited comeback tour.

Monday, September 2, 2024, 12:

The government has committed to investigating the practice of dynamic ticket pricing following a significant increase in the price of tickets for the Oasis reunion tour during the sales period.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy labeled the high prices of Oasis concert tickets as "depressing," announcing that surge pricing will be examined in the government's upcoming evaluation of the secondary market for event 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 highly anticipated comeback concerts.

After enduring the long lines and extended delays, numerous individuals discovered that the ticket costs significantly exceeded the original price.

Outrage spread across social media after tickets initially priced at £148 skyrocketed to £355 on Ticketmaster shortly after going on sale, a surge attributed to the platform's dynamic pricing strategies.

Over the weekend, Ms. Nandy stated that the government would examine these concerns and the technologies that encourage queuing systems in a forthcoming consultation.

She commented: "Following the exciting announcement of Oasis's comeback, it's disheartening to witness the steep rise in ticket prices, which prevents 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 concerns related to the transparency and application of dynamic pricing, as well as the technology supporting queue systems that encourage this practice."

"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, guaranteeing reasonably priced tickets for all."

What is dynamic pricing?

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

The measure was introduced to curb scalping and to guarantee that a larger share of profits reaches the artists.

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

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

Ticketmaster's official website explains that the prices of its "Platinum" tickets fluctuate based on market demand and availability.

The text explains that the purpose of the dynamic pricing system is to ensure fans can buy tickets fairly and securely, while also allowing artists and live event organizers to set ticket prices that more accurately reflect their real market value.

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

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On Saturday, government minister Lucy Powell was affected by surge pricing, ultimately paying over twice the initially quoted price for a ticket to an Oasis concert.

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

An official stated, "Our goal is for fans to experience fair pricing when purchasing tickets from secondary platforms, and we have initiated measures against prominent reselling sites to uphold consumer protection laws."

"We believe additional safeguards should be implemented for consumers, and it's encouraging that the government is taking steps 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 news followed an announcement made last Tuesday by Noel and Liam Gallagher about the much-anticipated reunion of the band.

Dynamic pricing is widely utilized across various sectors, not just music, and is especially prevalent in the travel industry for both hotel accommodations and flight bookings.

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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 believes artists should have the option to exit the system and set their own prices for sales.

Attempts have been made to reach Ticketmaster for their response.

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