Oasis: Ticketmaster: Investigation into “dynamic pricing” launched

This came after the band’s long-awaited reunion tour was announced for summer 2025 and millions of people tried to get tickets.

Prices for the Oasis tour were confirmed before tickets went on sale on August 31, but many fans were upset and angry to discover that ticket prices had more than doubled.

Tickets were originally set to start at £73 per person, but due to high demand, fans were faced with prices of up to £355 on Ticketmaster.

A section of Ticketmaster’s purchasing policies explaining dynamic pricing – found on the company’s website. (Image: PA)

In view of the inflated prices for the Britpop legend’s highly anticipated 2025 reunion tour, the European Commission is said to have launched an “urgent review” of the platform’s ability to increase concert ticket prices depending on demand.

The US company was told that its excessive prices may have violated British and European laws, as the fines were increased in some cases from £135 to £350.

As The Guardian reported, a European Commission spokesperson confirmed that dynamic pricing was being investigated.

The British Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) also told the newspaper that it was “urgently” examining the use of the system.

A spokesman added: “Consumer Protection Act requires businesses to be fair and transparent in their dealings with consumers and businesses must provide clear and accurate information about the price people have to pay. Failure to do so may result in a breach of the law.”

Although dynamic pricing is not illegal in itself, there are concerns that its application could violate EU directives.

The UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) received hundreds of official complaints alleging that Ticketmaster failed to inform people in advance that tickets could cost £350.

It was only when fans arrived at the checkout after hours of queuing online that they learned about the higher prices.

As Sky News reported, British Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “This government is determined to put fans back at the heart of music.”

“That is why our upcoming consultation on consumer protection in ticket resale will also address issues around transparency and the use of dynamic pricing, including the technology around queuing systems that promote it.”