British rock band Oasis recently announced a reunion tour, resulting in a frenzy for tickets to the 17 dates. However, the ticket-buying process was met with complaints and frustration due to heavy demand. Tickets went on general sale on Saturday at 9 a.m. GMT, with social media quickly filling up with complaints about inflated prices, long waits, and error messages from ticketing company Ticketmaster. Many users criticized the high prices, with one city councilor in Dublin posting a screenshot showing an In Demand Standing Ticket priced at €415.50 ($459.61) plus fees.
Ticketmaster clarified that they do not set ticket prices, stating that promoters and artists determine them. Prices can be fixed or market-based, with market-based tickets labeled as ‘Platinum’ or ‘In Demand.’ Despite the complaints, Ticketmaster insisted that their site did not crash during the ticket sale. Oasis is set to kick off their tour on July 4, with shows in Cardiff, Manchester, London, Edinburgh, and Dublin. Ticketmaster touted the tour as one of the biggest live moments and hottest tickets of the decade.
A presale was available for applicants who received an email confirming they would have access to tickets. Oasis warned on their Instagram page that tickets would be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and success in the ballot did not guarantee tickets. The ticket-buying process for large concert events often draws angst from buyers, with Ticketmaster and its parent company Live Nation Entertainment facing scrutiny in November 2022 for their handling of the Taylor Swift Eras Tour.
Overall, the Oasis reunion tour announcement sparked a high demand for tickets, leading to frustrations among fans attempting to purchase them. Despite Ticketmaster’s efforts to manage the ticket sale process, social media was inundated with complaints about pricing, long wait times, and error messages. The band’s upcoming tour, set to be one of the biggest live events of the decade, will feature shows in major cities across the UK and Ireland. A presale was available for select applicants, but many fans expressed disappointment and uncertainty due to the competitive nature of ticket allocation.
The public scrutiny faced by Ticketmaster and Live Nation Entertainment for their handling of previous high-demand tour ticket sales added to the frustration surrounding the Oasis reunion tour tickets. With concerns about high prices and limited availability, many fans faced challenges in securing tickets for the highly anticipated shows. Despite the challenges, the enthusiasm and excitement for Oasis’ reunion tour remain high, as fans eagerly await the opportunity to see the iconic British rock band perform live once again.
