The U.K. government is placing increased scrutiny on Ticketmaster amidst an Oasis reunion tour. It launched an investigation after fans were left outraged at the ticket buying experience for the event.
Many saw prices surge from about $180 to upwards of $460 due to “dynamic pricing.” Some questioned why the band was warning against buying from unauthorized resale sites while allowing Ticketmaster to sell tickets at such inflated prices.
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U.K. Culture Minister Lisa Nandy weighed in on the controversy, calling it “depressing” that so many fans should be priced out. She promised the government would address issues around dynamic pricing in an upcoming consultation on consumer protections for ticket resales.
Ticketmaster defended its pricing model, explaining that its “platinum” tickets are priced based on demands. It said that prices aren’t set by the company, but event organizers.
The member of Parliament representing Oasis’s hometown of Manchester found herself paying more than she’d like for a ticket. She admitted to the BBC that she’s not a fan of surge pricing, but it’s just how the market operates right now.
This is just the latest flashpoint for Ticketmaster, the company has faced backlash several times over ticket sales. Most recently, the company is under fire in the U.S. after a chaotic sale for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, which led to a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing and a lawsuit from the Justice Department earlier this month.
