Liam Gallagher and Noel Gallagher are set to reunite Oasis for their first live performances in 15 years, but the excitement has been overshadowed by controversy surrounding ticket sales. Members of Parliament (MPs) are calling for an investigation into Ticketmaster's use of dynamic pricing, which has led to unexpectedly high costs for fans.
The ticketing platform's "dynamic pricing" model, introduced in 2022, adjusts prices based on demand. This practice has resulted in some Oasis fans facing ticket prices exceeding £300, despite initial expectations of around £150.
Charlotte Nichols, Labour MP for Warrington North, expressed concern about the situation, stating:
She likened the practice to "scalping" and criticized Ticketmaster's dominant market position.
The controversy has even affected government officials. Lucy Powell, House of Commons leader, revealed she paid £350 per ticket for the Heaton Park show in July 2025, significantly higher than the originally quoted £148.50.
Oasis, formed in Manchester in 1991, has sold over 75 million records worldwide. Their reunion tour marks a significant moment for fans, given the band's last performance was in 2009. The Gallagher brothers' reconciliation has reignited interest in the group, known for hits like "Wonderwall" and their record-breaking Knebworth Park concerts in 1996.
Rupa Huq, Labour MP for Ealing Central and Acton and a longtime Oasis fan, suggested the issue is "ripe for an inquiry" by the Culture, Media and Sport select committee. She highlighted the contrast between her experience of seeing Oasis perform a free gig in Paris in 2000 and the current pricing situation.
Ticketmaster has defended its practices, stating that it does not set ticket prices itself. The company introduced dynamic pricing as a measure to deter touts, but it has faced criticism before, notably during Bruce Springsteen's 2022 tour when prices soared to $5,000.
The Labour Party, led by Sir Keir Starmer, has pledged to address issues in the secondary ticket market. Alex Sobel, Labour MP for Leeds Central and Headingley, plans to urge the Parliamentary Group on Music to investigate the Oasis ticketing situation.
As fans eagerly await Oasis' return to the stage, the debate over fair ticketing practices continues. The band's reunion tour, featuring their eight UK number-one singles and critically acclaimed albums, promises to be a significant event in British music history, overshadowed by the ongoing controversy surrounding ticket sales.
A spokesperson for the Department for Business & Trade emphasized the need for transparency in ticket pricing and hinted at future measures to protect fans from exploitation.