The U.K. Government’s New Investigation
The U.K. Government is looking into Ticketmaster and other online sellers’ pricing tactics after Oasis reunion tour tickets almost tripled in price because of high demand from fans for the summer 2025 shows.
Many fans faced long waits and site crashes trying to get tickets for the big reunion tour, and it didn’t help that general admission tickets priced at £150 ($197) were gone by Saturday morning. Instead, there were new “In Demand Standing” tickets costing around £400 ($525).
This pricing method, used by Ticketmaster and others, makes ticket prices jump when there’s high demand. Fans have been upset about this for years, especially when trying to get tickets to see artists like Bruce Springsteen. A Ticketmaster spokesperson once told Rolling Stone that promoters and artist representatives decide on pricing strategy and range, including dynamic and fixed prices.
Lisa Nandy, the U.K. culture minister, said the government will look into these pricing practices to stop “rip-off resales” and ensure fair prices. She found it “depressing” to see high prices keeping regular fans from enjoying their favorite band live.
People want fair prices, so this investigation is good news.
The government already had a meeting planned for fall to discuss ticket resale websites, but now dynamic pricing is a big part of those talks.
Other officials also spoke out. Labour MP David Baines called it “shocking” that Ticketmaster UK uses “dynamic pricing” to take advantage of fans. Dublin official Regina Doherty said Ireland’s government should look into it too.
Oasis’ reunion tour is a huge event, and to protect fans from scalpers charging crazy prices (some tickets went for $8,300 on resale sites), the band said only tickets bought directly or through Ticketmaster’s face value exchange will be accepted.
“Tickets sold in breach of the terms and conditions will be canceled by the promoters,” the band posted on X.
Oasis coming back together is a big deal since they broke up in 2009. They said in a statement, “The guns have fallen silent. The stars have aligned. The great wait is over. Come see. It will not be televised.”
