What's happened
Oasis's upcoming reunion tour has sparked outrage among fans due to unexpected ticket price hikes attributed to dynamic pricing. The UK's Competition and Markets Authority is investigating Ticketmaster's practices, while Liam Gallagher's dismissive responses to fan complaints have further fueled the controversy.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Independent, Liam Gallagher's dismissive attitude towards fan complaints included telling one fan to 'shut up' and joking about 'kneeling tickets' priced at £100,000. This response has drawn criticism, especially as fans faced unexpected price hikes during the ticket sale process. The New York Times reported that the Competition and Markets Authority is investigating Ticketmaster's use of dynamic pricing, which has been a contentious issue among consumers. The Guardian highlighted the political ramifications, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressing the issue in Parliament, calling the price hikes 'depressing' and pledging to protect fans from such practices. This multifaceted response from fans, politicians, and the media underscores the significant impact of the ticketing controversy on Oasis's reunion tour.
How we got here
Oasis announced their reunion for a series of concerts in 2025, their first since 2009. However, ticket sales on August 31 revealed significant price increases, with some tickets rising from £135 to £355, leading to widespread fan dissatisfaction and calls for accountability.
More on these topics
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Oasis were an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1991. Developed from an earlier group, the Rain, the band originally consisted of Liam Gallagher, Paul Arthurs, Paul McGuigan, and Tony McCarroll.
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northwestern coast of the European mainland.