Margaret Chrystall
Updated on: October 8, 2024 4:07 pm GMT
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Oasis fans are confronting a challenging landscape as the eagerly anticipated reunion tour of the iconic British band approaches. Amid concerns over ticket availability and inflated resale prices, it has been revealed that thousands of tickets have been hoarded by secondary ticket touts, leading to widespread frustration among genuine fans.
Secondary Ticketing Platforms Awash with Listings
Recent analysis by The Guardian has uncovered that secondary ticketing platforms such as Viagogo, StubHub, and Gigsberg are advertising over 4,500 tickets for the Oasis UK shows, with many of these listings originating from individuals labeled as “greedy” touts. Tickets are being listed at exorbitant prices, sometimes reaching thousands of pounds, in contravention of rules established for the upcoming gigs. This market has been criticized for exploiting fans eager to attend what may be a historic reunion following a 15-year hiatus between the Gallagher brothers.
Ticket resale is not inherently illegal; however, the tactics employed by some touts raise significant ethical concerns. For example, some touts are suspected of engaging in “speculative selling,” where they advertise tickets they do not possess, hoping to fulfill orders later, a practice that is unlawful. Despite the controversy, it appears that certain touts are strategically holding onto their acquired tickets amid the backlash surrounding rising prices, waiting for the frenzy to subside before potentially releasing more for sale.
Escalating Ticket Prices and Legal Scrutiny
The introduction of dynamic pricing by Ticketmaster, which saw ticket prices surge by hundreds of pounds, has left many fans outraged, prompting investigations by regulatory bodies, including the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). By examining listed tickets from various resale sites, the Guardian was able to trace the origins of several tickets back to locations as diverse as Scunthorpe in Lincolnshire to São Paulo, Brazil, highlighting the far-reaching implications of ticket touting in the digital age.
Many of the sellers are young individuals believed to be part of a new wave of ticket traders—often depicted in the industry as “sneaker kids”—who previously focused on skirting the rules in the trainer marketplace before transitioning to the lucrative world of ticket selling. Some of these traders even boast of their ability to use multiple identities and bots to bypass ticket purchase limits.
Government Efforts to Combat Ticket Touting
Amid growing pressure from fans and consumer advocacy groups, the UK government is reportedly considering measures to prohibit the resale of tickets for profit, taking inspiration from similar legislative actions in Ireland. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has emphasized that the current system disproportionately affects genuine fans, making live music accessible primarily to the wealthy. In response, consultations will soon be launched to explore potential solutions, including a licensing system for resale sites that violate existing laws.
Labour MP Emma Foody has voiced strong sentiments regarding the issue, stating that the ticket resale market should not become a privilege for only a select few. “Genuine fans are increasingly priced out by these exploitative practices,” she said, calling for regulatory reforms that would safeguard fans and musicians alike.
Oasis’ Recent Ticketing Announcement and Fan Involvement
In light of the uproar surrounding ticket availability, Oasis recently announced two additional concert dates at Wembley Stadium in September 2025, aiming to prioritize access for fans who previously missed out. The band revealed that invitations to access a private ballot for these tickets would be sent to eligible fans via their registered Ticketmaster accounts.
Fans are urged to check their inboxes for ballot registration emails, which will determine their eligibility to receive purchase codes for the extra dates. The ballot system is designed to streamline ticket access, but it is clear from the announcement that demand will still far exceed supply, creating potential frustrations for fans.
Industry Response and the Murky World of Ticket Tout Operations
Resale platforms, like Viagogo and StubHub, maintain that they comply with consumer protection laws and take actions to eliminate speculative listings. Nonetheless, concerns about the integrity of these platforms persist, as some traders continue to evade identification, partly due to the incomplete information provided in their listings. This issue persists despite existing regulations imposed by the CMA, which require resale platforms to publish details of traders selling a substantial number of tickets each year.
Amid the ongoing discourse about the ethics of ticket resale, Reg Walker, a recognized ticketing and security expert, asserted that the practices observed among the younger touts not only undermine the integrity of live events but also risk legal repercussions for those involved.
Looking Towards the Future of Live Music Access
As the situation continues to unfold, the discussions surrounding ticket pricing, resale practices, and the impacts of dynamic pricing remain paramount. Ongoing government consultations could enact significant changes to protect fans and ensure that the music industry is equitable for both artists and audiences. The high demand for tickets to Oasis’ reunion tour serves as a poignant reminder of the growing tension between fan access to live music and the commercial exploitation by secondary marketplaces.
As fans prepare for what is sure to be a monumental concert experience, the landscape remains complex, and vigilance is warranted to navigate the challenges presented by touts and inflated ticket prices.
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