Oasis Ticket Turmoil: Government to Review Dynamic Pricing Amid Fan Outcry

Skyrocketing prices for Oasis reunion tour tickets dishearten fans; government to examine fluctuating pricing strategies

"Time to revisit our frustration," posted an Oasis enthusiast on social media, reflecting widespread disappointment over the ticketing process for the eagerly awaited tour.

Monday, September 2, 2024, at 12

The authorities have pledged to investigate fluctuating ticket prices following reports that tickets for the Oasis reunion tour surged in cost 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 secondary market for concert ticket sales.

On Saturday, enthusiasts of the globally acclaimed music group spent hours in online lines, eager to secure tickets for one of next year’s highly anticipated comeback concerts.

After enduring the long lines and significant delays, numerous attendees encountered ticket costs that greatly exceeded their original prices.

Many took to social media to voice their frustration after tickets originally priced at £148 appeared on Ticketmaster for £355, just hours after they became available, a result of the platform's dynamic pricing strategy.

Over the weekend, Ms. Nandy declared that an impending government consultation will examine these matters, including the technology that supports queuing systems and encourages their use.

She expressed disappointment, stating, "Following the exciting announcement of Oasis's reunion, 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 as the core focus of the music industry."

"In our upcoming consultation on consumer protections for ticket resales, we will address concerns related to the transparency and application of dynamic pricing. This will include examining the technologies that support queuing systems which encourage this pricing strategy."

"By collaborating with artists, the industry, and concertgoers, we aim to develop a more equitable framework that eradicates the issues of scalping and overpriced secondary ticket sales, guaranteeing reasonably priced tickets for all."

What does dynamic pricing mean?

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

The measure was implemented to prevent scalping and to increase the financial returns for the artists.

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

In response to the uproar regarding the cost of Oasis's tickets, the organization clarified that they do not determine ticket pricing and provided a link to a site explaining that prices can be either "fixed or influenced by the market."

On its official site, Ticketmaster characterizes its "Platinum" tickets as those which have their prices varied based on market demand and availability.

The objective of the dynamic pricing system is to ensure that fans have a fair and secure opportunity to purchase tickets, 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 representatives, 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 fluctuating ticket prices this past Saturday, ending up paying over twice the initially stated price for tickets 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 outlets, and we have initiated measures against prominent reselling sites to uphold compliance with consumer protection laws.

"We believe that additional safeguards for consumers are essential, so it's encouraging that the government is taking steps to tackle this issue. We are eager to collaborate with them to achieve the most favorable results for supporters and honest businesses."

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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 utilized in various sectors, not just music, and is especially prevalent in the travel industry for items like 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 informed Stereogum that his goal was for artists to have the option to withdraw from the system and set their own prices for their work.

Efforts have been made to get a response from Ticketmaster.

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