The competition watchdog has launched an investigation into Oasis' ticket sales blunders.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) will be investigating Ticketmaster's handling of sales for the band's upcoming tour, including how “dynamic pricing” was used to adjust prices.
Initial excitement over the Gallagher brothers' reconciliation quickly gave way to disappointment and anger last weekend, as fans complained that ticket prices for the band's 17 shows had been increased without warning.
The CMA said on Tuesday it was “urgently considering” introducing dynamic pricing following criticism over “egregious” price gouging. The brothers said on Wednesday they had no role in setting ticket prices.
The CMA's investigation will consider whether Ticketmaster engaged in unfair commercial practices and whether it provided clear and timely information explaining that tickets may be subject to “dynamic pricing”.
It will also examine whether consumers were pressured into buying tickets in a short space of time and at higher prices than they understood they would have to pay.
On the CMA's website, fans are asked to provide evidence, and if possible, to attach screenshots taken during the purchasing process. Evidence can be submitted using: Online Form.
Authorities said they would now work with Ticketmaster to gather evidence from a variety of sources, including the band's management and event organizers.
Furore erupted over the weekend after fans of the Manchester band expressed their anger after queuing online for hours and then discovering that the price of their £135 standing tickets had risen to £355.
CMA chief executive Sarah Cardell said: “It is important that fans are treated fairly when purchasing tickets, which is why we have launched this investigation.”
“It's clear that many people felt they had a bad experience and were surprised by the price of their tickets when they checked out.”
“We want to hear from fans who may have encountered issues going through this process and investigate whether we may have breached existing consumer protection laws.”
The CMA stressed that Ticketmaster should not be deemed to have breached consumer protection law.
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A spokesman for the Prime Minister said Keir Starmer welcomed the review and that Downing Street would await its results.
“Ticketing platforms should be transparent about how they price tickets so customers can make informed decisions,” a Downing Street spokesman said.
A Ticketmaster spokesperson said: “We are committed to working with the CMA and look forward to sharing further information with them regarding ticket sales.”
The company, owned by US entertainment company Live Nation, has previously defended its dynamic pricing model, similar to those used by hotels and airlines, and said it does not set ticket prices at all.
Ticketmaster argues that the system is designed to discourage scalpers by setting ticket prices closer to market value.
