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

Sky-high prices for Oasis concert tickets have fans feeling dismayed, prompting government assurances of a review on fluctuating pricing strategies.

"Time to look back in anger," posted a disenchanted Oasis follower on social media, expressing frustration over 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 ticket prices for the Oasis reunion tour surged significantly during the sale 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 evaluation of the resale market for concert tickets.

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

Yet, after enduring the long lines and extensive delays, numerous attendees encountered ticket costs significantly exceeding their original prices.

Outrage surfaced on social media after tickets initially priced at £148 soared to £355 on Ticketmaster shortly after they went on sale, a spike attributed to the platform's dynamic pricing strategies.

During her weekend address, Ms. Nandy revealed that the government would explore matters including the technology that encourages queuing systems in a forthcoming consultation.

She expressed disappointment following the announcement of Oasis's reunion, noting that exorbitant ticket prices are preventing 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 transparency and the application of dynamic pricing. This will also cover the technologies involved in queue systems that encourage this pricing strategy."

"By collaborating with artists, the industry, and concertgoers, we can develop a more equitable framework that eliminates the problems caused by scalpers and overpriced ticket resales, guaranteeing fairly priced tickets for everyone."

What is dynamic pricing?

Introduced by Ticketmaster in 2022, this system adjusts prices based on demand.

The measure was implemented to curb scalping and to increase the revenue artists receive.

When tickets are in high demand and the supply is low, prices tend to increase.

In response to frustration about 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 can be "set or subject to market fluctuations."

Ticketmaster's website explains that the prices of "Platinum" tickets fluctuate based on market dynamics of supply and demand.

The purpose 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, 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 was affected by surge pricing last Saturday, ending up paying over twice the initially stated price for a ticket to an Oasis concert.

The CMA supported the announcement of the government's investigation.

A representative stated: "Our goal is for fans to receive equitable treatment when purchasing tickets from secondary sources, and we've already addressed major resale platforms to make sure they comply with consumer protection laws."

"We believe additional safeguards should be established for consumers, and it's encouraging that the government is willing to tackle this issue. We are eager to collaborate with them to achieve favorable results for supporters 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 other than music, notably in the travel sector where it is often applied to hotel accommodations and flight fares.

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Jack Antonoff, known for his frequent collaborations with Taylor Swift, has previously expressed concerns about dynamic pricing.

He expressed to Stereogum his desire for artists to have the option to exit the system and set their own prices for sales.

Efforts have been made to reach out to Ticketmaster for a

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