- Navigating unauthorized methods for Oasis concert ticket acquisition.
The British Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has voiced his concerns over the backlash surrounding the ticket prices for Oasis' return concert tour. The widespread dissatisfaction arose from the controversial "dynamic pricing" method, which caused ticket costs to surge dramatically due to high demand. Starmer advocated for a price tag that is "within people's reach" and pledged to exert control over the situation, hinting at potential legislative changes to protect fans from such issues.
Saturday's ticket sales commenced at dawn for the band's comeback tour scheduled for the following summer, triggering a frenzy among fans. However, as prices for the performances by Liam and Noel Gallagher and their bandmates skyrocketed, numerous fans were left enraged and frustrated. Demands for the prohibition of the so-called "dynamic pricing" for concerts escalated further.
Sir Keir Starmer: "A wider issue"
The Sun reported that Starmer identified the problem as not being unique to Oasis, stating that "there are a number of actions we can and should take" to address it. He regards it as an "overall issue" affecting ticket sales for various events, where tickets vanish in seconds or minutes of their availability, causing prices to skyrocket and rendering tickets exorbitantly priced for many people.
If the issue remains unchecked, families may find their attendance at events becoming increasingly unaffordable.
Culture Minister Lisa Nandy: "Put fans first"
Lisa Nandy, the Culture Minister, also announced the government's plan to reevaluate the policies regarding "dynamic pricing and queuing technology" following her condemnation of the inflated prices for Oasis. "We are dedicated to placing fans at the core of music," Nandy declared.
On the Ticketmaster website, standard ticket prices for the Oasis reunion tour more than doubled, with prices jumping from approximately £150 to £350 (or €180 to €420).
Prominent individuals affected by the sudden price increases included Lucy Powell, the Speaker of the House of Commons and Manchester Central MP, who reportedly shelled out twice the original price for a ticket.
The Tour Confirmed
On August 27, Oasis put an end to lingering rumors of a reunion by posting "It's happening, it's really happening" and formally announcing the "OASIS LIVE '25" tour. The tour commences on July 4 at the Cardiff Principality Stadium.
The band was established in 1991, and after years of conflicts between Liam and Noel Gallagher, Oasis disbanded in 2009. Speculations about an Oasis reunion have swirled ever since.
Sir Keir Starmer suggested that the issue with dynamic pricing is more than just an issue for Oasis, stating, "This is a wider issue affecting ticket sales for various events where tickets vanish in seconds or minutes, causing prices to skyrocket and making tickets exorbitantly priced for many other people as well."
Lisa Nandy, the Culture Minister, echoed Starmer's concerns and announced the government's plan to review policies on dynamic pricing and queuing technology, saying, "We are committed to putting fans first and ensuring they can access tickets at affordable prices, not just for Oasis concerts, but for all live events."
