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

Skyrocketing costs for Oasis concert tickets frustrate fans; government to examine fluctuating pricing strategies.

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

Monday, September 2, 2024, 12:

The authorities have pledged to investigate the practice of dynamic ticket pricing following a significant increase in the prices 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 evaluation of the secondary market for concert tickets.

On Saturday, supporters of the globally renowned music group spent hours waiting online, eager to secure tickets for one of next year's highly anticipated comeback concerts.

Yet, after enduring the long lines and extended delays, numerous individuals encountered ticket costs significantly above the original price.

Many voiced their frustration online after observing that tickets originally priced at £148 were being resold for £355 on Ticketmaster shortly after they went on sale, a surge attributed to the platform's dynamic pricing strategies.

Over the weekend, Ms. Nandy stated that the government would examine issues related to queuing systems and the technology that encourages them in a forthcoming consultation.

She expressed her dismay, stating, "Following the thrilling announcement of Oasis's reunion, it's disheartening to witness the exorbitant ticket prices 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 matters related to the transparency and application of dynamic pricing, as well as the technology supporting queuing mechanisms that promote it."

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

What does dynamic pricing mean?

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

The measure was implemented to prevent scalping and to direct a greater share of earnings towards the artists.

Fundamentally, when tickets are in high demand and the availability is low, their prices tend to increase.

In response to frustration regarding the cost of Oasis's tickets, the firm clarified that they do not determine the pricing. They also 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 ones priced based on fluctuating market demand and availability.

The dynamic pricing system aims to provide fans with fair and secure ticket purchasing opportunities, while allowing artists and event organizers to price tickets more accurately according to their actual market value.

The company states that the responsibility for setting prices and deciding on the use of dynamic pricing for their events rests with the artists, their management teams, and the promoters.

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Cabinet member Lucy Powell was affected by fluctuating ticket prices this past 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 review.

A representative stated: "Our goal is for fans to receive equitable treatment when purchasing tickets on the secondary market, and we have initiated measures against prominent resale platforms to enforce compliance with consumer protection laws."

"We believe additional safeguards should be implemented for consumers, and it's encouraging that the government is aiming to tackle this issue. We are eager to collaborate with them to achieve optimal results for supporters and businesses that play by the rules."

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The announcement followed Noel and Liam Gallagher revealing last Tuesday that the band is set to reunite after a long hiatus.

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

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

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

Ticketmaster has been contacted for a response.

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