Ticketmaster to Revise Ticket Advertising Practices Following Oasis Tour Controversy

Ticketmaster has been mandated by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to revise how it advertises concert tickets, following widespread criticism over its handling of the Oasis reunion tour. Fans were frustrated after waiting in long online queues, only to face unexpectedly high ticket prices, some rising to more than £350, despite initial prices being advertised as £148.50. The CMA’s investigation revealed that although dynamic pricing was not used in real time, Ticketmaster’s use of ‘tiered’ pricing and ‘platinum’ seat labels was misleading. As a result, the company must now provide clearer pricing information, including notifying fans 24 hours ahead if tiered pricing is being used, and avoid using ambiguous seat labels. Failure to comply could result in legal actions. This comes as Ticketmaster faces additional scrutiny over similar practices in the US and the UK, where ticket resale laws are also being examined. The CMA emphasized the importance of transparent communication, especially when fans are investing large sums for a concert experience.