Outcry Over Oasis Reunion Tour Ticket Prices Prompts Government Review of Dynamic Pricing Practices

Skyrocketing Oasis concert ticket costs labeled 'disheartening' – officials vow to examine fluctuating pricing

"Time to revisit our frustration," commented a fan of Oasis on social media, expressing dismay over the ticketing process for the eagerly awaited comeback tour.

Monday, September 2, 2024, 12:

Officials have pledged to investigate the practice of variable ticket pricing following a significant increase in prices for the Oasis reunion tour tickets during the sales period.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy expressed disappointment over the high prices of Oasis concert tickets, noting that the issue of surge pricing will be addressed in the government's upcoming examination of the secondary market for event tickets.

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

After enduring long lines and extensive delays, numerous attendees were greeted with ticket costs significantly above the original price.

There was an outpouring of frustration on social platforms after tickets originally priced at £148 appeared for resale at £355 on Ticketmaster shortly after their initial release, a surge attributed to the platform's dynamic pricing model.

Over the weekend, Ms. Nandy stated that in a forthcoming government consultation, they would examine not only these issues but also the technology behind queue systems that encourage such behavior.

She expressed disappointment, stating, "Following the thrilling announcement of Oasis's comeback, 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 consultation on consumer protections for ticket resales, we plan to address concerns regarding the transparency and application of dynamic pricing, as well as the technology behind queue systems that encourage its use."

"By collaborating with artists, the industry, and enthusiasts, we can establish a more equitable system that eradicates the problems of scalpers and overpriced resales, guaranteeing fairly priced tickets."

What is dynamic pricing?

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

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

Basically, when many people want tickets and there aren't many available, the prices tend to increase.

In response to frustration regarding the cost of Oasis's concert tickets, the company clarified that they do not determine the 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 and secure for fans, while also allowing artists and event organizers to set prices that reflect the actual market value.

The firm asserts that the decision on pricing and the use of dynamic pricing for performances is made by the artists, their management teams, and the event promoters.

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Cabinet member Lucy Powell was affected by fluctuating ticket prices last Saturday, ultimately paying over twice the initially advertised price 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 markets, and we have already intervened with prominent resale platforms to guarantee compliance with consumer protection laws.

"We believe that additional safeguards are necessary for consumers, and 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 businesses that play by the rules."

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The announcement of the band's reunion was officially made by Noel and Liam Gallagher last Tuesday.

Dynamic pricing is widely adopted in various sectors, not just music, and is particularly prevalent in the travel industry for items such as hotel accommodations and flight fares.

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

Efforts have been made to reach out to Ticketmaster for a

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