Over 50,000 Oasis Tickets to be Cancelled
Oasis fans are in for disappointment as more than 50,000 tickets for the band’s upcoming concerts are set to be cancelled. The iconic Gallagher brothers, Noel and Liam, recently announced their reunion for the Oasis Live ’25 Tour, starting at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium in July. Despite the excitement surrounding the tour, ticket sales faced numerous issues, with glitches and soaring prices due to a ‘dynamic pricing’ system causing frustration among fans.
The promoters of the tour, Live Nation and SJM, revealed to BBC File on 4 that they would invalidate over 50,000 tickets not directly purchased through their official ticketing websites, such as those acquired via resell platforms like Viagogo. These cancelled tickets will be re-released at their original prices through Ticketmaster. The move aims to crack down on secondary ticketing companies profiting from reselling tickets at inflated prices.
A statement from a tour spokesperson highlighted the importance of preventing ticket scalping, with only 4% of tickets ending up on resale sites. The organisers warned fans against buying tickets from unauthorised sources, cautioning that such tickets could be fraudulent or subject to cancellation. Viagogo’s business development head, Matt Drew, defended their position, stating that they would continue to sell Oasis tickets within regulatory guidelines.
The issue raises questions about the ethics of dynamic pricing for event tickets. While this practice can maximise profits for promoters, it often leads to inflated prices and inequitable access for fans. The cancellation of tickets acquired through secondary platforms underscores the challenges of ensuring fair ticket distribution and preventing exploitation in the live entertainment industry.
As Oasis fans await further updates on ticket availability and sales, the controversy surrounding the invalidated tickets serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in ticketing for high-demand events. With the reunion of Noel and Liam Gallagher promising an unforgettable concert experience for fans, ensuring fair access to tickets becomes paramount in preserving the integrity and inclusivity of live music events.