The long-awaited reunion of Oasis has sparked a frenzy among fans, but concerns are rising about extortionate ticket prices, even before the official sale has begun.
A German reselling website, Ticombo, was found to be advertising tickets for the band's Heaton Park gig in Manchester for as much as £1,700, despite the official sale not yet commencing. The website claimed to have 189 tickets available, with prices ranging from £450 to £1,659, and even included options for "upper tier" seating and booking fees of £149. These listings were removed after the *i
newspaper contacted Ticombo, who claimed that "there is no reason to believe that any of the listings created by our users concerning the Oasis concert are not legitimate". They further stated that they have "requested proof from the sellers regarding their source, and are temporarily disabling sales for this event until the official sales begin or proof is provided by a seller".
While these inflated prices on resale platforms have sparked anger among fans, the official ticket prices for Oasis's reunion tour have been revealed, with the cheapest ticket costing £72.50 for the Dublin gigs. The cheapest standing tickets for their UK shows are priced at £151.25, with seated tickets starting at £73 and rising to £205. For those with deeper pockets, a selection of luxury packages are also available, priced between £216 and £506, including merchandise, a pre-show party, and access to a private Oasis exhibition.
These prices have drawn comparisons to recent concerts by other artists, with Taylor Swift's Wembley gigs offering standing tickets for £172.25, while Adele's Munich shows this month offered standing tickets for £350.
Consumer groups have frequently cautioned music fans about the dangers of using ticket reselling websites. Buyers may be unable to obtain a refund and could be turned away at the door. In 2021, an investigation into the industry led to recommendations for the government to address the issue. These recommendations included banning platforms from allowing resellers to sell more tickets for an event than they legally acquired from the primary market. However, the government's response last year stated that it was "too soon to conclude that the only way forward is further legislation focused on this market".
Following the announcement of their reunion, Oasis added three more dates to their tour, due to "unprecedented demand". The band is set to perform five shows at Wembley, four at Heaton Park, three at Murrayfield Stadium, and two at Croke Park, adding to the already significant demand for tickets. The extra dates have been included on the band's official website, and fans are encouraged to register for a pre-sale ballot before the general release on Saturday.
While the band's return has been met with enthusiasm from fans, concerns remain about the high ticket prices, the potential for a repeat of the Gallagher brothers' acrimonious split, and the accessibility of both tickets and accommodation for fans. The demand for tickets is expected to rival or even surpass that of Taylor Swift's "The Eras Tour," which saw the pop star sell out numerous concerts across the UK. The band's website crashed immediately after their reunion announcement, indicating the magnitude of the anticipated demand.
The upcoming tour will see Oasis performing for the first time since their split in 2009. The band's original guitarist, Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs, is reportedly confirmed for the tour and "ecstatic" about the reunion.
Despite the challenges and concerns, the excitement surrounding Oasis's reunion remains palpable. The band's legacy as one of Britain's most iconic rock acts guarantees a fervent response from fans. As the countdown to the tour begins, fans are urged to be prepared for the ticket rush, ensuring their online accounts are set up and ready for the general sale. The future of Oasis may still be uncertain, but their reunion has undoubtedly injected a shot of Britpop nostalgia into the music scene, reminding us of the enduring power of their music.