Oasis denies knowledge of dynamic pricing as regulators probe ticketing fiasco: 'Needs to be made clear'

In a statement, the band said: "It needs to be made clear that Oasis leave decisions on ticketing and pricing entirely to their promoters and management."

They added they had "at no time had any awareness that dynamic pricing was going to be used" in the sale of tickets for the initial dates.

The band acknowledged that while their management had aimed for a "fair experience for fans", the execution "failed to meet expectations" due to unprecedented demand.

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an "urgent review" into the use of dynamic pricing following the Oasis ticket controversy.

UK 🇬🇧
Two extra Wembley Stadium shows have been added due to phenomenal demand.
Tickets will be sold by a staggered, invitation-only ballot process. Applications to join the ballot will be opened first to the many UK fans who were unsuccessful in the initial on sale with… pic.twitter.com/Dpfhk49va3

— Oasis (@oasis) September 4, 2024

A spokesperson for the regulator stated that businesses must provide "clear and accurate information about the price people have to pay".

The European Commission has also pledged to examine the practice as part of its "fitness check" of EU consumer laws.

MEP Regina Doherty called for an investigation, describing the pricing as "not transparent advertising and certainly not fair to consumers".

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) received 450 complaints about Ticketmaster adverts for the Oasis gigs, with complainants arguing the adverts made "misleading claims about availability and pricing".

Fans expressed their frustration with the inflated ticket prices on social media and in interviews, with Emma Munnelly, who queued for tickets since 8.30am on Saturday, told MailOnline: "Expected to pay £148.50 for standing at Manchester, absolutely disgusted that when we had the chance of purchasing the tickets, Ticket Master had increased them to £355 each."

Catherine Kremer reported being unable to buy tickets after four hours of queuing, with in-demand tickets priced at £358.10 to stand.

Journalist Gavan Reilly shared on Twitter/X: "After 105 minutes in the queue: only tickets left for Oasis on Sunday are 'official platinum tickets' (€490.50) and 'in demand standing tickets' (€415.50)."

Dynamic pricing, also known as surge pricing, adjusts ticket costs based on demand, with the practice being compared to how airline tickets and hotel rooms are sold.

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Ticketmaster maintains it does not set concert prices, stating on its website that the "event organiser" determines pricing "according to their market value".

In response to the controversy, Oasis announced two extra shows at London's Wembley Stadium, and wrote on their X account earlier today: "Tickets will be sold by a staggered, invitation-only ballot process."

Oasis acknowledged the "immense frustration and disappointment" experienced by fans, calling the new ticketing process a "small step towards making amends".

They added: "All parties involved did their utmost to deliver the best possible fan experience, but due to the unprecedented demand this became impossible to achieve."

These additional concerts bring the total number of Wembley shows to seven, alongside dates in Manchester, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Dublin.