Oasis, the iconic Britpop band, has made a significant decision regarding their highly anticipated North American tour. The group, which announced their reunion in August 2024 after a 15-year hiatus, has opted against using dynamic ticket pricing for their upcoming shows in the United States, Canada, and Mexico scheduled for 2025.
This decision comes in response to the recent controversy surrounding ticket sales for their UK and Ireland tour dates. The band's management stated, "Ticketmaster's dynamic pricing model will not be applied to the forthcoming sale of tickets to Oasis concerts in North America." They acknowledged that while dynamic pricing can be useful in combating ticket touting and maintaining affordability for fans, the combination of unprecedented demand and technological limitations has led to an "unacceptable experience" for many supporters.
The dynamic pricing model, which adjusts ticket prices based on demand, has been a subject of scrutiny. During the UK ticket release, some standard tickets more than doubled in price, escalating from £148 to £355. This surge prompted the UK government and competition watchdog to announce a review of the practice.
Oasis's North American tour is set to kick off on August 24, 2025, at Rogers Stadium in Toronto, Ontario. The band will then perform at Chicago's Soldier Field on August 28, East Rutherford's MetLife Stadium on August 31, and Los Angeles's Rose Ball Stadium on September 6. The final announced date is scheduled for September 12 at Estadio GNP Seguros in Mexico City.
To ensure fair access to tickets, Oasis has implemented a pre-ballot system for fans. Interested concertgoers must confirm their entry by October 1, 2024, answering questions about their location and the band's last North American tour, which took place in 2008/2009 during the "Dig Out Your Soul" era.
"We have made this decision for the North America tour to hopefully avoid a repeat of the issues fans in the UK and Ireland experienced recently."
This tour marks a significant milestone for Oasis, who formed in Manchester in 1991 and quickly rose to become one of the most influential bands of the 1990s. With over 75 million records sold worldwide and eight UK number-one albums, their impact on the music industry is undeniable. Their 1995 album "(What's the Story) Morning Glory?" remains one of the best-selling albums in UK chart history.
The band's reunion has sparked immense interest, reminiscent of their record-breaking 1996 Knebworth concerts, which saw the largest demand for a show in British history. Oasis's influence extends beyond their active years, with many contemporary artists citing them as a major inspiration.
Tickets for the North American tour will go on sale on October 4, 2024. Fans are eagerly anticipating the chance to see the band perform classics like "Wonderwall" and tracks from their final album, "Dig Out Your Soul," released in 2008.
As Oasis prepares for their comeback, their decision to prioritize fair ticket access demonstrates a commitment to their fanbase. This move may set a precedent for other artists facing similar challenges in the ever-evolving landscape of concert ticket sales.