Ticketmaster has agreed to provide fans with more transparent information in response to the controversy surrounding the Oasis reunion tour. The Competition and Markets Authority revealed that it had secured formal commitments from the company after conducting an investigation.
The commitments include notifying fans 24 hours in advance if a tiered pricing system, like the one for Oasis standing tickets, is in place. This ensures fans are aware of any cost discrepancies for the same type of ticket beforehand. Ticketmaster will also offer enhanced details on ticket prices to online queuing fans, aiding them in estimating potential costs. However, these changes are voluntary and do not imply any admission of wrongdoing or liability.
Sarah Cardell, CMA chief executive, emphasized the importance of providing fans with clear and accurate information upfront. She highlighted that while it may not be possible to guarantee every fan a ticket for highly sought-after events like the Oasis tour, ensuring fans have timely access to necessary information is crucial.
The CMA previously cautioned Ticketmaster in March about potential misleading practices related to ticket sales for Oasis’s reunion concerts. Following an investigation, it was found that the company may have violated consumer laws by selling some seated tickets labeled as “platinum” at significantly higher prices than standard tickets, possibly creating a misleading impression of ticket quality.
In 2024, ticket prices for Oasis gigs surged from £148 to £355 post-release. Despite this, Ticketmaster UK boss Andrew Parsons defended the pricing as fair. Additionally, the CMA discovered that Ticketmaster did not disclose the existence of two categories of standing tickets to fans, with cheaper tickets being sold before the pricier ones were made available.
While Ticketmaster made certain adjustments to its sales processes, the CMA deemed them insufficient. The watchdog had ongoing discussions with the company regarding the details provided to customers.