Fatboy Slim has weighed in on the ticket fiasco surrounding the Oasis 2025 Reunion tour and called the use of dynamic pricing “sick”.
Liam and Noel Gallagher announced the iconic Britpop group's reunion earlier this year and confirmed they would play their first shows together since 2009 next summer.
The dates will kick off with huge stadium shows in the UK and Ireland, then head to North America before returning for two more dates at London's Wembley Stadium at the end of September. The brothers then confirmed Australia for shows in Melbourne and Sydney, before announcing their first South American dates in 16 years.
However, when tickets for the UK and Ireland concerts went live, the band were at the center of controversy when some fans noticed huge price increases due to the band's dynamic pricing policy. Ticketmaster when accessing ticket pages.
The ticketing platform’s “surge pricing” system, introduced in 2022, increases ticket prices based on demand. Ticketmaster previously clarified on its website that tickets are “market priced” and “may increase or decrease at any time, depending on demand.” It's similar to how plane tickets and hotel rooms are sold.
Today, Fatboy Slim shared his thoughts on the implemented ticketing strategy and expressed his disdain for the dynamic pricing used for live shows.
“The only problem I have is scalping the fans. This dynamic pricing, which scams fans. It’s like auctioning off tickets because you know they’re doing well,” he said. The weirdo of the sun column. “It’s bad enough that the touts are doing it, but the promoter and the band doing it is sick. »
He continued: “As far as I know, this has never happened on my watch. I have a say in making tickets, overall, cheap. I always say, “Let’s get a fair price.” The ticket prices are so exorbitant. It's just profit for people who are already very, very rich – and that goes for bands and promoters.
“I don't see how you can justify making it even more expensive, just because you know you have a concert that everyone wants to go to. »
It's worth noting that Oasis spoke about the ticketing debacle back in September and said they had no idea ticket prices were going to increase so drastically.
“It should be clear that Oasis leaves ticketing and pricing decisions entirely to its promoters and management, and was at no time aware that dynamic pricing was going to be used,” it can be read. read in the update.
“While previous meetings between promoters, Ticketmaster and group management resulted in a positive ticket sales strategy, which would provide a fair experience for fans, including dynamic ticketing to help maintain overall ticket prices low as well as reducing sales, the execution of the plan did not meet expectations. All parties involved did everything possible to provide the best possible fan experience, but due to unprecedented demand, this became impossible to achieve.
Elsewhere in the interview with The SunFatboy Slim – real name Norman Cook – has shared his support for Coldplay by promising to help support popular music spaces across the UK with their upcoming tour dates.
“I really hate Coldplay. At least I did until they announced their new arena tour and announced that they will be donating 10 percent of the total ticket prices for the entire tour, which will help keep small venues in business,” he said.
“This is the dynamic pricing you should have. They don't make much money, they just want to survive. They love to see rock 'n' roll… New bands have to have a place to come.
Following the initial backlash around Oasis tickets, the band announced they would be canceling thousands of tickets for their upcoming 2025 UK reunion tour that were sold via resale sites.
Differences of opinion around dynamic pricing have also been brought to Parliament, and it has been reported that a new law could be introduced requiring music and sporting events to tell fans maximum prices at the start of the pricing process. purchase of tickets. The move follows UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy condemning dynamic pricing and calling for a review of the policy.
Around the same time, the issue was taken to the Advertising Standards Agency and the European Commission, with a separate request for an investigation launched by the UK government. Experts also suggested that failing to warn Oasis fans about dynamic pricing could breach consumer law.
Following the backlash, the band later confirmed that a dynamic pricing structure would not be applied to their North American reunion tour dates.
As for hopes of announcing further UK appearances, Oasis have ruled out a headlining performance at Glastonbury 2025 and said they will not perform at any other festivals next summer. Liam and Noel also denied rumors of a return to Knebworth in 2026.
As for the already announced gigs, it has been confirmed that Cage The Elephant will serve as the support act for their North American leg while former Verve frontman and soloist Richart Ashcroft and Cast will join the Mancunian icons on their dates in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
As for Fatboy Slim, the artist will perform more concerts throughout 2024, including dates in the UK and US. He has also been confirmed for festivals in summer 2025, including headlining at Latitude and Kendal Calling.
