In light of the recent uproar over Oasis’s dynamic ticket pricing, Sir Keir Starmer has stepped up with a pledge to make concert tickets more affordable.
Following the outrage over escalating ticket prices for the band’s upcoming reunion tour, the Prime Minister has promised to address the issue, suggesting that new legislation might be on the horizon to protect fans from being overcharged.
The Ticket Frenzy
The chaos started last Saturday when tickets for Oasis’s reunion tour went on sale.
The rush for seats was intense, but fans were dismayed to see prices surge dramatically due to ‘high demand’.
This led to widespread calls for a ban on dynamic pricing, where prices fluctuate based on demand.
Starmer’s Commitment
Sir Keir Starmer acknowledged that the issue of rising ticket prices extends beyond just the Oasis tour.
He emphasized that this is a broader problem affecting many events, where tickets sell out in moments and prices skyrocket, making it difficult for average people to afford them.
Starmer assured that he is committed to finding solutions to this issue, so families won’t be forced to spend exorbitant amounts just to attend a concert.
Government’s Response
In response to the controversy, Cabinet member Lisa Nandy announced that the government would review both dynamic pricing policies and the queueing technologies that contribute to inflated prices.
She described the soaring ticket prices as ‘depressing’ and reiterated the government’s commitment to prioritizing fans in the music industry.
The Price Surge
The situation was particularly stark for Oasis’s reunion tour, where ticket prices more than doubled from around £150 to £350 on Ticketmaster’s website.
Among those affected was Lucy Powell, Leader of the House of Commons and Manchester Central MP, who reported paying double the initial price for a ticket.
By Saturday evening, all tickets had sold out, with resale prices soaring even higher—some reaching a staggering £14,104.
Call for Action
The Liberal Democrats have labeled the pricing situation as ‘scandalous’ and are calling for it to be a turning point for a thorough investigation into dynamic pricing practices.
Jamie Stone, the party’s culture spokesperson, urged that this fiasco should prompt an official probe by either a regulatory body or a parliamentary committee.