Manchester Hotel Faces Backlash Over Oasis Concert Booking Fiasco

A Manchester hotel has come under scrutiny for allegedly cancelling guest reservations coinciding with upcoming Oasis concerts and subsequently relisting rooms at higher prices. The incident has sparked outrage among fans and raised concerns about accessibility for working-class supporters of the iconic British rock band.

Sacha Lord, night-time economy adviser for Greater Manchester, brought attention to the issue on social media platform X. He reported receiving complaints from "several people" whose bookings at Maldron Hotels were cancelled due to a purported "computer error." These individuals claimed that their rooms were later made available at triple the original price.

Maldron Hotels acknowledged the cancellations but attributed the problem to a technical glitch in their booking system. The hotel chain stated that the error occurred on August 26-27, 2024, resulting in an overbooking situation for the nights of July 11-12 and 19-20, 2025, when Oasis is scheduled to perform.

One affected customer, Euros Rees, a 42-year-old app developer from Leeds, shared his experience. Rees had initially secured a two-room booking for £171 shortly after the concert announcement. However, he now faces the prospect of paying over £900 for a single room due to the surge in hotel prices across the city.

"It would mean the world to me and my friends to see Oasis live again. We thought the first hurdle of having a place to stay was sorted, but now we are faced with paying upwards of £900 for a room in a cost of living crisis where people are struggling. This is a real insult."

The situation has reignited discussions about the affordability of major events for working-class fans. Oasis, formed in Manchester in 1991, has long been associated with working-class culture and has sold over 75 million records worldwide. Their 1995 album "(What's the Story) Morning Glory?" remains one of the best-selling albums of all time, with over 22 million copies sold.

Maldron Hotels Manchester has issued an official statement addressing the controversy. They explained that the technical error affected bookings for both Maldron Hotel Manchester City and Maldron Hotel Cathedral Quarter. The company emphasized that this was not an attempt to resell rooms at inflated prices but rather an overbooking issue caused by a system malfunction.

The hotel chain has suspended new bookings while investigating the problem. They have committed to honoring all reservations made prior to August 26, 2024, and are actively engaging with affected customers regarding their bookings.

This incident serves as a reminder of the enduring popularity of Oasis, whose influence on British culture was so significant that their 1995 single "Roll With It" was featured in the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics. As fans eagerly anticipate the band's upcoming performances, the hotel booking fiasco highlights the challenges of managing high-demand events and ensuring fair access for all supporters.