Oasis has addressed the recent controversy surrounding ticket pricing for their highly anticipated reunion tour. The legendary British rock band, known for defining the Britpop era of the 1990s, has announced two additional shows at Wembley Stadium on September 27 and 28, 2024, with a new ticketing approach.
The band, which has not performed together since 2009, stated that they were unaware of the dynamic pricing strategy implemented for their initial ticket sales. Dynamic pricing, a legal practice where ticket prices fluctuate based on demand, led to significant price increases during the original sale, causing frustration among fans.
In response to the backlash, Oasis announced a "staggered, invitation-only ballot process" for the new Wembley shows. This decision comes after fans reported ticket prices rising by up to 140 percent while waiting in online queues for hours.
The band's management acknowledged that while they had agreed to dynamic pricing to potentially reduce ticket touting and keep general prices down, "the execution of the plan failed to meet expectations." Oasis emphasized that they typically leave ticketing and pricing decisions to their promoters and management.
"At no time had any awareness that dynamic pricing was going to be used."
The initial ticket sale for Oasis Live '25, which took place on August 31, 2024, saw an estimated 14 million fans attempting to secure tickets. Many faced technical issues and were incorrectly labeled as bots, leading to widespread disappointment.
The reunion tour, set for summer 2025, includes shows in Cardiff, Edinburgh, Dublin, and Manchester, in addition to the London dates. This tour marks the first time Oasis will perform together since their breakup in 2009, which occurred after a backstage altercation between the Gallagher brothers before a festival in Paris.
The ticketing controversy has drawn attention from political figures, with the UK government announcing plans to review Ticketmaster's dynamic pricing strategy. The Competition and Markets Authority has warned against misleading consumers by omitting important information or providing it too late.
Fans have expressed concerns about pricing transparency for the new shows, urging the band to clarify whether face value tickets will be priced at £150 or £350. This comes after reports of tickets being resold on unofficial sites for over £7,000 following the initial sale.
Oasis, formed in Manchester in 1991, has sold over 75 million records worldwide and played a crucial role in shaping the British music scene of the 1990s. Their 1996 concerts at Knebworth Park attracted 250,000 attendees over two days, with 2.5 million people applying for tickets – a testament to their enduring popularity.
As the band prepares for their reunion, fans hope the new ticketing system will provide a fairer opportunity to witness the return of one of Britain's most iconic rock groups.