The UK competition regulator, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), has launched an investigation into the sale of Oasis tickets, specifically looking into the use of “dynamic pricing” by ticket-selling platform Ticketmaster. Dynamic pricing is a practice where ticket prices rise in line with demand, potentially leading to inflated prices for consumers.
The investigation will focus on whether Ticketmaster engaged in unfair commercial practices, whether buyers were given clear information about potential price rises, and whether people were pressured to buy tickets within a short period of time. This comes after widespread criticism from Oasis fans who ended up paying significantly more than expected for tickets to the band’s reunion tour.
Ticketmaster has stated that it did not set ticket pricing policy for the Oasis shows, attributing that responsibility to artists and promoters. However, an investigation by the BBC found that the division between Ticketmaster and promoters may not be as clear-cut as claimed.
The CMA has stated that dynamic pricing itself is not unlawful, but it must be done in a transparent manner that does not mislead consumers. Fans are invited to submit evidence of their experiences with ticket sales for the Oasis tour, including screenshots of the ordering process.
This investigation follows similar controversies in the past, such as Ticketmaster apologizing to Taylor Swift and her fans last year after demand overwhelmed the system during her tour. The company has faced criticism for its control over the live music market and the perceived inflation of ticket prices with fees and service charges.
As the CMA delves into the Oasis ticket sales, fans and industry experts alike will be watching closely to see how this investigation unfolds and what implications it may have for the future of ticket pricing practices in the music industry.
