Oasis Reunion Tour Ticket Sale ‘May Have Misled Fans,’ Says Watchdog.
Ticketmaster “may have misled Oasis fans” when selling tickets for the band's highly anticipated reunion tour, according to the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The CMA suggests that the ticketing giant could have violated consumer protection laws by offering “platinum” tickets at nearly 2.5 times the standard price without clarifying that these tickets offered no additional benefits.
The CMA's investigation points out that this could have given consumers the false impression that “platinum” tickets were of higher value. The watchdog has now instructed Ticketmaster to revise its ticket labeling and pricing disclosures to ensure clearer communication with consumers in the future. Ticketmaster responded by stating they “welcomed” the CMA’s guidance.
“At Ticketmaster, we strive to provide the best ticketing platform through a simple, transparent, and consumer-friendly experience,” said a spokesperson, highlighting the company's commitment to improving the fan experience.
A Bumpy Start for Oasis Tour Sales
The controversy stemmed from the ticket sale for Oasis's reunion tour in August 2024, which saw over 900,000 tickets sold. Fans were shocked when standard standing tickets, initially priced at £135, were suddenly relabeled as “in demand” and changed to £355, sparking frustration and confusion.
Oasis themselves weighed in, issuing a statement clarifying that they had no knowledge of “dynamic pricing” being used for the tickets. The band stated they were unaware of any price increases resulting from this pricing strategy.
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The CMA launched an investigation in September 2024 to assess whether Ticketmaster’s practices were “unfair” and whether fans felt pressured into purchasing tickets in a limited window. In response, Ticketmaster denied any use of “dynamic pricing,” which would automatically alter ticket prices. Instead, they maintained that all prices were determined by the artists and promoters, with Oasis's promoter, SJM Concerts, having ties to Ticketmaster’s parent company, Live Nation.
Fans Left in the Dark
While the CMA did not address the dynamic pricing issue directly, it did raise concerns about how difficult Ticketmaster made it for fans to understand the different ticket categories. For example, customers were not informed that there were two price categories for standing tickets, with the cheaper ones sold first. This led many fans to wait in long queues, unsure of what they would pay, only to find themselves faced with higher prices than they initially expected.
The CMA acknowledged some changes Ticketmaster has already implemented in its business practices since the Oasis sale. However, it said that these adjustments were not sufficient to fully address their concerns.
“We now expect Ticketmaster to work with us to address these concerns so that, in future, fans can make well-informed decisions when buying tickets,” said Hayley Fletcher, interim senior director of consumer protection.
Government Takes Notice
The government has also weighed in, with a spokesperson for Downing Street stating, “Everyone deserves a fair shot at getting tickets” for live events, including music and sports. The statement echoed comments from culture secretary Lisa Nandy, who reiterated earlier calls for a cap on resale prices. Nandy noted that fans had long been subjected to inflated prices by resellers, a situation compounded by a lack of transparency regarding last-minute price hikes for high-demand events.
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Oasis’s long-awaited reunion tour will kick off at Cardiff's Principality Stadium on July 4, 2025, and fans are hopeful that these ticketing issues will be resolved by the time the tour begins.
Conclusion
Despite the ongoing ticketing concerns, the Oasis reunion tour remains one of the most highly anticipated events in music, with thousands of fans excited to see the iconic band back on stage. As the CMA and Ticketmaster continue to work together to ensure transparency, fans can look forward to a more consumer-friendly ticket-buying process in the future. With the tour on the horizon, it’s clear that Oasis’s return will bring joy and nostalgia to audiences worldwide, while hopefully setting a new standard for ticket sales.
