Ticketmaster to Give UK Customers More Info After Oasis Issues

Oasis fans who endured the chaotic ticket sale experience for the band’s reunion tour can expect clearer pricing information from Ticketmaster in future sales.

As per Rolling Stone, the UK Competition and Markets Authority has secured formal commitments from the ticketing giant following an investigation into the controversial on-sale event that left thousands of fans frustrated and confused.

The CMA launched its probe after the Oasis reunion tour tickets went on sale last year, creating widespread chaos across the platform. Fans encountered lengthy queues, website crashes, and most notably, ticket prices that appeared to fluctuate dramatically between selection and checkout. The experience sparked allegations that Ticketmaster was employing its contentious dynamic pricing model, which adjusts costs based on real-time demand.

However, the investigation revealed a different story. The CMA stated it had “not found evidence” that dynamic pricing was actually used during the Oasis sale. Instead, the authority identified two significant transparency issues that contributed to fan confusion and frustration.

First, Ticketmaster failed to inform customers that standing tickets were “being sold at 2 different prices, and that prices would jump as soon as the cheap tickets sold out.” This lack of advance notice left fans unprepared for sudden price increases as they progressed through the purchasing process.

Second, the platform sold premium “platinum” tickets at nearly 2.5 times the cost of standard tickets without adequately explaining that these premium options offered no additional benefits compared to some standard tickets in identical venue sections. This misleading categorisation led many fans to believe they were purchasing superior access when they were simply paying inflated prices.

Under the new commitments, Ticketmaster must provide 24 hours advance notice when implementing tiered pricing systems. This warning will inform fans that multiple price points exist for the same ticket type and that more expensive options will become available as cheaper alternatives sell out. The company will also be required to display comprehensive information about the full range of ticket prices before sales begin.

The agreement prohibits Ticketmaster from using misleading ticket labels that suggest one option is superior to another when no actual difference exists. These changes aim to eliminate the confusion that plagued the Oasis sale and similar high-demand events.

Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA, emphasised the authority’s commitment to enforcement: “The changes we’ve secured will give fans more information about prices and clear descriptions of exactly what they are getting for their money. If Ticketmaster fails to deliver on these changes, we won’t hesitate to take further action.”

To ensure compliance, Ticketmaster must submit regular reports over the next two years. The CMA has warned that failure to implement these measures could result in enforcement action against the company.

In response, a Ticketmaster representative welcomed the CMA’s confirmation that no dynamic pricing or unfair practices occurred, stating the company had “voluntarily committed to clearer communication about ticket prices in queues.” The representative noted that these changes build upon existing protections including capped resale systems and bot protection measures.