Oasis Reunion Tour Ticket Fury: Government to Review Dynamic Pricing Amid Fan Outcry

Sky-high Oasis concert ticket prices 'disheartening' – officials vow to examine fluctuating pricing strategies

"Time to reflect in frustration," remarked an Oasis enthusiast on social media, expressing dismay over the ticketing process for the eagerly awaited reunion tour.

Monday, September 2, 2024, 12:

The government has pledged to investigate the practice of dynamic ticket pricing following a sharp increase in the prices of tickets for the Oasis reunion tour, which more than doubled during the sale period.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy labeled the escalated pricing of Oasis concert tickets as "depressing," and announced that surge pricing would be examined in the government's upcoming review 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 next year's highly anticipated reunion concerts.

After enduring long lines and extensive delays, numerous individuals encountered ticket costs significantly exceeding their original price.

Many voiced their frustration online after tickets initially priced at £148 surfaced on Ticketmaster for £355 just hours after they were released, a spike attributed to the platform's dynamic pricing strategies.

Over the weekend, Ms. Nandy stated that in a forthcoming government consultation, they will examine issues including the technology that promotes queuing systems.

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 in the music experience."

"In our upcoming discussion on consumer protection measures for ticket resales, we will address concerns regarding the clarity and application of dynamic pricing, as well as the technology behind queuing mechanisms that promote it."

"By collaborating with artists, the industry, and audiences, we can develop a more equitable system that eliminates the problems caused by scalpers and overpriced resales, ensuring that tickets are sold at reasonable prices."

What is dynamic pricing?

This pricing strategy, which fluctuates based on demand, was adopted by Ticketmaster in 2022.

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

When ticket demand is high and supply is limited, 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 either "fixed or market-based".

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

The text states that the purpose of the dynamic pricing system is to ensure that fans can purchase tickets 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 pricing structures and the decision to implement dynamic pricing for their events are determined by the artists, their management teams, and event promoters.

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Cabinet member Lucy Powell fell victim to surge pricing this past Saturday, ultimately paying over twice the initial price listed for a ticket to an Oasis concert.

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 from secondary outlets, and we have initiated measures against prominent reselling platforms to enforce compliance with consumer protection laws.

"We believe additional safeguards for consumers are necessary, so it's encouraging that the government is aiming to tackle this issue. We are eager to collaborate with them to ensure 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 public last Tuesday by Noel and Liam Gallagher.

Dynamic pricing is prevalent in various sectors, not just music, and is often utilized in the travel industry for both hotel accommodations and airfare.

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Jack Antonoff, a regular collaborator with Taylor Swift, has expressed concerns about dynamic pricing in the past.

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

Efforts have been made to contact Ticketmaster for their response.

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