Ticketmaster’s price for Oasis tickets is being investigated in the UK.

Ticketmaster is facing scrutiny in the UK over its pricing strategy for next year’s highly anticipated Oasis reunion concerts. The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation into Ticketmaster’s use of “dynamic pricing” for these events, a practice where ticket prices fluctuate based on demand. This strategy, typically used in industries like airline tickets and food delivery, has drawn significant criticism from fans of the iconic Britpop band.

Many fans who spent hours in online queues last Saturday were shocked to find ticket prices had surged to more than double the expected face value. Standard tickets, initially thought to be around £148 ($195), were sold for as much as £355 ($470) due to the dynamic pricing model. Critics argue that implementing this strategy was inappropriate, especially given the high demand for Oasis’ reunion, and that it left fans feeling misled.

The CMA’s investigation will focus on whether Ticketmaster’s practices were unfair or deceptive. This includes examining whether consumers were adequately informed about the potential for price changes and if they were pressured into buying tickets quickly at higher prices. The watchdog emphasized that the investigation is meant to ensure that fans are treated fairly when purchasing tickets. Sarah Cardell, the CMA’s chief executive, stated, “It’s clear that many people felt they had a bad experience and were surprised by the price of their tickets at check-out.”

Ticketmaster, the UK’s largest ticket seller, will be asked to provide evidence during the investigation, which will also involve input from fans, event organizers, and potentially Oasis’ management. The CMA has the authority to take enforcement actions if any breaches of consumer protection law are found.

In response to the outcry, Oasis, led by brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher, distanced themselves from the ticketing decisions, stating they were unaware of the use of dynamic pricing. The band expressed disappointment with how the ticketing process unfolded and acknowledged that it had “failed to meet expectations.” Oasis emphasized that all decisions regarding ticketing and pricing were left to promoters and management.

Tickets for the reunion concerts were in high demand, with the initial sale covering performances at major venues such as Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, Manchester’s Heaton Park, London’s Wembley Stadium, and Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium. Additional dates at Wembley have since been added for September 27 and 28, exclusively for those who missed out on the initial sale.

Oasis, known for hits like “Wonderwall,” “Champagne Supernova,” and “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” became one of the defining British bands of the 1990s. The group disbanded in 2009 following a public fallout between Noel and Liam Gallagher. Despite their ongoing personal and public tensions, the reunion concerts are one of the most anticipated musical events of the year.