Government to Review Ticket Pricing Amid Outrage Over Oasis Reunion Tour Costs

Skyrocketing prices for Oasis concert tickets are 'disheartening,' with officials pledging to examine fluctuating pricing strategies

"Time to revisit our frustration," a fan of Oasis commented online, expressing discontent with the ticketing process for the eagerly awaited comeback tour.

Monday, September 2, 2024, 12:

Officials have pledged to investigate the practice of variable ticket pricing following reports that prices for the Oasis reunion tour tickets surged significantly during the sales period.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy expressed disappointment over the high prices of Oasis tickets, announcing that surge pricing will be examined in the government's upcoming 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 highly anticipated reunion concerts.

After enduring long lines and extended delays, numerous individuals discovered that the cost of tickets significantly exceeded their original price.

Many voiced their frustration online after tickets, originally priced at £148, skyrocketed to £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 plans to review issues including the technology that encourages queuing systems in an upcoming consultation.

She expressed her disappointment, stating, "Following the thrilling announcement of Oasis's comeback, it’s disheartening to witness the steep rise in ticket prices, which prevents average fans from experiencing their beloved band in concert."

"This administration is dedicated to recentering fans at the core of the music experience."

In our upcoming discussion on consumer protection measures for ticket resales, we plan to address concerns related to the transparency of dynamic pricing and the technology behind queuing systems that encourage it.

"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 everyone."

What is dynamic pricing?

This pricing strategy, which adjusts prices based on demand, was implemented by Ticketmaster in 2022.

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

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

In response to frustration regarding the cost of Oasis's tickets, the company clarified that they do not determine ticket prices and provided a link to a website explaining that prices could be either "fixed or market-based".

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

The intention behind the dynamic pricing system is to ensure that fans have equitable and secure opportunities to purchase tickets, while also allowing artists and event organizers to set ticket prices that more accurately reflect their market value.

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

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Cabinet member Lucy Powell experienced the effects of dynamic pricing this past Saturday, paying over twice the initially quoted price for a ticket to see Oasis in concert.

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

A representative stated: "It's important to us that fans receive a fair price when purchasing tickets from resellers. We have already addressed this issue with prominent secondary ticket platforms to make sure they comply 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's highly anticipated reunion was made official last Tuesday by Noel and Liam Gallagher.

Dynamic pricing is widely used in various sectors beyond music, particularly in the travel industry for pricing hotel accommodations and airline fares.

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Jack Antonoff, a regular collaborator of 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 contact Ticketmaster for a statement.

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