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

Sky-high prices for Oasis reunion tour tickets have left fans disheartened, prompting the government to reassess fluctuating pricing strategies. "It's a moment to reflect on our frustration," commented a disappointed Oasis enthusiast on a social media platform, expressing discontent with the ticketing system for the eagerly awaited series of concerts.

Monday, September 2, 2024, 12:

Authorities have pledged to investigate variable ticket pricing following a significant increase in the prices of Oasis reunion tour tickets during their sale.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy labeled the high prices of Oasis concert tickets as "depressing," announcing that surge pricing will be considered in the government's evaluation of the secondary market for concert tickets.

On Saturday, devotees of the globally renowned music group spent hours online, eagerly waiting to secure tickets for the upcoming reunion concerts scheduled for next year.

After enduring long lines and significant delays, numerous individuals were confronted with ticket costs substantially exceeding the original price.

People voiced their frustration on social platforms after tickets originally priced at £148 were being resold for £355 on Ticketmaster shortly after going on sale, a surge attributed to the dynamic pricing models employed.

During a weekend address, Ms. Nandy revealed plans for a government consultation that will examine certain problems, including the technology that supports queuing systems and encourages their use.

She expressed disappointment, noting, "Following the exciting announcement of Oasis's comeback, it’s disheartening to witness the exorbitant ticket prices that prevent regular 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 cover topics such as the clarity and application of dynamic pricing, as well as the technologies supporting queue systems that promote this practice."

"By collaborating with artists, the industry, and concertgoers, we can develop a more equitable solution that eliminates profiteering by scalpers and overpriced ticket resales, ensuring that tickets are sold at reasonable prices."

What does dynamic pricing mean?

This demand-driven pricing strategy was launched by Ticketmaster in 2022.

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

When there's high demand for tickets and they are in short supply, prices tend to increase.

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

Ticketmaster's own website explains that the prices of its "Platinum" tickets fluctuate based on the principles of supply and demand.

The purpose of the dynamic pricing system is to ensure that fans can buy tickets in a fair and secure manner, while also allowing artists and event organizers to set prices that more accurately reflect the actual market value of the tickets.

The firm states that it is the artists, along with their management and event organizers, who determine the prices and decide if dynamic pricing will be implemented for their events.

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Cabinet member Lucy Powell experienced the effects of dynamic pricing last 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 from secondary markets, and we have initiated measures against prominent resale platforms to enforce compliance with consumer protection laws."

"We believe that consumers need additional safeguards, so it's encouraging that the government is taking steps to tackle this issue. We are eager to collaborate with them to achieve favorable 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 by Noel and Liam Gallagher last Tuesday.

Dynamic pricing is also prevalent in other sectors besides music, notably in the travel industry, where it is commonly applied to hotel accommodations and flight fares.

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Jack Antonoff, a regular collaborator 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 to reach Ticketmaster for a response have been made.

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