The UK government has intensified its scrutiny of Ticketmaster’s ‘dynamic pricing’ system following widespread outrage over inflated ticket prices for Oasis’ highly anticipated reunion tour. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has personally addressed the issue, vowing to ‘get a grip’ on surge pricing and ensure tickets are available at prices people can afford.Fans faced numerous challenges during the chaotic ticket sale, including technical issues, long virtual queues, and sudden price hikes. Many reported waiting in line for hours, only to discover that ticket prices had more than doubled, with some increasing from £148 to £355. The use of dynamic pricing, which adjusts ticket prices in real-time based on demand, has been criticized for pricing out fans and potentially encouraging scalping.The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has received 450 complaints about Ticketmaster’s adverts, with fans arguing they made misleading claims about availability and pricing. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy called the practice ‘depressing,’ stating that it excludes ordinary fans from enjoying their favorite band live.The government has pledged to include issues around transparency and the use of dynamic pricing in its forthcoming consultation on consumer protections for ticket resales. Some MPs have called for potential changes to legislation to stop fans from being ‘fleeced’.As the controversy unfolds, Oasis has partnered with resale platform Twickets, where fans can buy unwanted tickets for no more than face value. The band has warned that tickets sold on unauthorized secondary markets will be cancelled by promoters, highlighting the ongoing challenges in ensuring fair access to high-demand events.The European Commission has also expressed concerns about dynamic pricing, stating that EU law prohibits dominant companies from setting excessively high prices. As the government prepares to review the practice, the debate about fair access to live music and the need for stricter regulations in the ticketing industry continues to intensify.
Key points
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has vowed to address surge pricing for concert tickets, promising to make them affordable.
- The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has received 450 complaints about Ticketmaster’s adverts for the Oasis tour.
- The UK government plans to investigate dynamic pricing and potentially introduce new consumer protection measures.
- Oasis has partnered with Twickets for face-value resale, warning against unauthorized secondary market sales.
Contradictions👾While Ticketmaster defends dynamic pricing as a way to discourage ticket touts, critics argue it prices out legitimate fans and potentially encourages scalping.
👾Some sources report initial ticket prices at £148, while others cite £150 or £135, indicating slight discrepancies in reporting.
