The UK’s competition regulator has launched an investigation into the sale of Oasis reunion tour tickets, focusing on the use of “dynamic pricing.”
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is examining whether ticket-selling platform Ticketmaster may have breached consumer protection laws. Dynamic pricing, used by Ticketmaster to adjust prices based on demand, caused ticket prices to rise significantly during the sale.
The investigation will look into whether:
- Ticketmaster engaged in unfair commercial practices
- Buyers were adequately informed about potential price increases
- Consumers were pressured to purchase tickets quickly
This probe comes after widespread criticism from Oasis fans, many of whom found themselves paying far more than anticipated—up to £350 per ticket, nearly £200 more than the advertised prices.
The band also expressed frustration with the system, clarifying, “Oasis leaves decisions on ticketing and pricing entirely to their promoters and management.”
The CMA stressed that the investigation is in its early stages and will engage with Ticketmaster, the band’s management, and event organizers to gather evidence. It noted that it has not yet concluded that Ticketmaster violated any laws, but would explore whether any parties involved had misled consumers or acted unlawfully.
A Ticketmaster spokesperson said, “We are committed to cooperating with the CMA and look forward to sharing more facts about the ticket sale.” The company also emphasized that it does not set pricing policies—those decisions are made by artists and promoters.
However, a BBC investigation found the relationship between Ticketmaster and Oasis’ promoters less clear-cut. The three promoters for the Oasis tour are all linked to Live Nation, the US multinational that owns Ticketmaster.
While dynamic pricing is not illegal, the CMA warned it must be used transparently and without misleading consumers. CMA leaders Marcus Bokkerink and Sarah Cardell emphasized that all options for potential action remain on the table, including enforcement if breaches of consumer protection laws are found.
The CMA is inviting Oasis fans to submit evidence about their ticket-buying experiences, including screenshots of the process. Meanwhile, Oasis has added two more Wembley dates to their tour, offering tickets through a “staggered invitation-only ballot.”
Some fans shared their frustrations after waiting in virtual queues for hours, only to see ticket prices double in real-time. One fan, John, described feeling disillusioned after his family finally secured tickets for £355 each. “I find that disgraceful,” he said, adding that Oasis had “broken their contract with the working class.”
The issue is reminiscent of last year’s Ticketmaster debacle during Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, where demand overwhelmed the platform, leaving thousands of fans unable to secure tickets. Ticketmaster later apologized during a US Senate hearing, with Live Nation’s president blaming a bot attack for the failure.
The BBC’s Mark Savage has noted that Ticketmaster, which merged with Live Nation in 2010, has frequently faced criticism for its dominant control over the live music market and the inflated ticket prices due to fees and service charges.
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