Ticketmaster is set to be investigated by the Government following complaints about “dynamic pricing” of Oasis tickets.
The website was referred to the Competition and Markets Authority last night after having problems selling tickets for the legendary band’s reunion tour.
A computer glitch meant thousands of fans were unable to get tickets, while others were forced to pay inflated prices after waiting hours in online queues. Within hours, Oasis announced that their 17-date tour of the UK and Ireland in 2025 had sold out.
But Ticketmaster and Oasis faced a backlash from angry fans over the weekend, many of whom criticised the price gouging despite the website being the official seller. At the weekend, it was reported that some fans had to pay £355 for tickets that were originally advertised at £148.
Thanks to the concept of dynamic pricing, the value of tickets increases in tandem with customer demand. It is therefore no wonder that fans are rushing to buy dates from Oasis. Ticketmaster introduced this pricing in 2022.
Now Culture Minister Lisa Nandy has confirmed that the issue will be considered in the government’s next review of ticket sales and consumer protection. “It is depressing to see ordinary fans being denied the opportunity to enjoy their favourite bands live by grossly inflated prices,” she said.
Chancellor Keir Starmer agreed, telling BBC Radio 5 Live’s Matt Chorley Show: “We want to make sure people can get tickets at an affordable price.”
The Advertising Standards Authority also said it had received 450 complaints after fans claimed Ticketmaster’s adverts gave misleading information about availability and prices.
Fans have since been warned about the risks they face if they continue to try to buy third-party tickets after the initial sell-out.