British rock band Oasis recently announced their reunion for a tour after 15 years, but fans have expressed frustration with Ticketmaster over ticket purchasing issues. Fans reported long wait times, system glitches, and surging ticket prices. Some fans documented their experiences on social media, with one journalist waiting for 1.5 hours and being offered tickets at exorbitant prices.
Ticketmaster released a statement saying they do not set ticket prices, which are determined by promoters and artists. The issue of ticket distribution and pricing has been a recurrent problem with Ticketmaster, as seen with similar issues faced by Taylor Swift fans during her “Eras Tour.”
Swift herself responded to the ticketing issues, expressing her frustration with Ticketmaster’s handling of the presale. In response to the widespread issues, the U.S. Department of Justice, along with state attorneys general, filed a civil antitrust lawsuit against Ticketmaster and Live Nation for monopolizing the live entertainment industry.
British lawmakers and state authorities have also taken notice of Ticketmaster’s practices, with Tennessee’s Attorney General launching an antitrust probe into the company. The lawsuit aims to restore competition in the live concert industry and provide fans with better choices at lower prices. Live Nation’s response to the lawsuit emphasized that it would not result in lower ticket prices or service fees.
The ongoing ticket purchasing issues with Ticketmaster highlight the challenges faced by fans trying to secure tickets for popular concerts, leading to calls for better regulations and transparency in the ticketing industry.
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