Calls mount for government to crack down on ‘frightening’ gig ticket prices

The government is being urged to ban the resale of concert tickets above face value as prices continue to soar.

The review, commissioned by the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, called for ministers to impose the ban “without delay” as fans lose faith in existing ticketing systems for the live music industry .

Concerns highlighted by the review included dynamic surge pricing, bots, and ticket resellers, who drive prices up.

The review urged the government to ensure ticket pricing is “clearly communicated in advance and applied transparently.” It also advised that the industry should resist dynamic pricing.

The controversial pricing system sees ticket prices fluctuate based on demand and supply.

It was designed to allow sellers to maximise revenue on tickets, but has left buyers disappointed and infuriated.

Some 64 per cent of British consumers said the practice was unfair in a 2024 YouGov survey.

In a survey conducted as part of the review, fans said they experienced “heightened levels of stress, fear of missing out and pressure to make unaffordable decisions” because of dynamic pricing.

Oasis fans were in uproar last year when tickets for the brothers’ reunion originally sold for £135, but rose to more than £350 because of dynamic pricing
A proper representative body for the live music industry, not too dissimilar to associations for football fans, was also recommended to give fans more of a say in the future of live music.

Other recommendations of the survey included the publication of start and finish times, better accessibility, and a code of conduct for concert-goers.

Speaking at a launch event at the Le Pub live music venue in Newport, south Wales, review chairman Lord Brennan said it was time “for all involved in music to turn the volume dial up to 11 in favour of the fans.”
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He said: “Over the last year we’ve given a voice to fans of all different music types and genres from across the country, and they’ve told us loud and clear that often they feel neglected and ripped off.

“Sharp commercial practices and impersonal service are now all too prevalent in the music world and point to an industry that fails to treat its fans, the lifeblood of the sector, with respect.”
He added that the committee’s new charter will seek to benefit fans, promoters, managers, and venues to secure the long-term future of live music.

A spokesperson for Department of Culture, Media, and Sport told the Times Series: “We thank the committee for their report and will consider its findings carefully.

“We set out decisive plans last year to stamp out touting once and for all, and we are committed to delivering on these as soon as possible for the benefit of fans and industry.”