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

Sky-high ticket prices for Oasis reunion tour labeled 'disheartening' – government vows to examine fluctuating pricing strategies

"Time to revisit our frustrations," posted an Oasis enthusiast on social media, expressing disappointment over the ticketing process for the eagerly awaited comeback tour.

Monday, September 2, 2024, 12:

The authorities have pledged to investigate fluctuating ticket prices following a significant increase in costs for the Oasis reunion tour tickets during their sale.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy labeled the high pricing of Oasis concert tickets as "depressing" and announced that surge pricing will be part of a government examination 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.

Yet, after enduring the long lines and extensive delays, numerous attendees found themselves facing ticket costs significantly above the original price.

Many voiced their frustration online after Ticketmaster listed tickets, originally priced at £148, for £355 shortly after they went on sale, attributing the steep increase to the platform's dynamic pricing strategy.

Over the weekend, Ms. Nandy stated that the government would examine these problems and the technology behind queuing systems that encourage them in a forthcoming consultation.

She expressed disappointment, stating, "Following the exciting announcement of Oasis's reunion, it's disheartening to witness the steep rise in ticket prices, which prevents 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 the transparency and application of dynamic pricing, as well as the technology supporting queuing systems that encourage this practice.

"By collaborating with artists, the industry, and supporters, we can develop a more equitable system that eradicates the problems of scalpers and overpriced ticket resales, guaranteeing reasonably priced tickets for all."

What is dynamic pricing?

Introduced by Ticketmaster in 2022, this pricing strategy adjusts based on consumer demand.

It was implemented to prevent scalping and to make sure that a larger share of profits is directed towards the artists.

Fundamentally, when ticket demand is high and supply is scarce, 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 or subject to market fluctuations".

Ticketmaster's official website explains that the pricing of its "Platinum" tickets fluctuates based on the principles 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, and also to allow artists and live event organizers to price the tickets more in line with their actual market value.

The company states that it is the artists, their representatives, and 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 fell victim to surge pricing last Saturday, ultimately 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: "Our goal is for fans to receive equitable treatment when purchasing tickets on the secondary market, and we have taken measures against prominent resale platforms to enforce compliance with consumer protection laws."

"We believe that additional safeguards for consumers are essential, and it's encouraging that the government is keen to tackle this issue. We are eager to collaborate with them to achieve the most favorable results for both fans and businesses that play by the rules."

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

Dynamic pricing is widely adopted in various sectors, not just music, and is particularly prevalent in the travel industry, including for hotel accommodations and flights.

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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 wished for artists to have the option to withdraw from the system and set their own prices for sales.

Efforts have been made to reach Ticketmaster for their response.

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