Watchdog begins investigation into Ticketmaster's Oasis prices

The competition watchdog has launched an investigation into the Oasis ticket sales fiasco.

- Ben Quinn

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) will investigate Ticketmaster's handling of sales for the band's 2025 tour, including how "dynamic pricing" may have been used to adjust the cost of tickets.

Initial excitement about the Gallagher brothers' reconciliation soon gave way to dismay and outrage last weekend after fans complained that the prices for the 18 shows were increased without warning. Some queued online for hours only to find that the price of £135 standing tickets had risen to £355.

The CMA had said on Tuesday it was "urgently reviewing" the use of dynamic pricing after criticism of the price inflation. The Gallaghers said on Wednesday that they had no input into how the tickets were priced.

The CMA's investigation will consider whether Ticketmaster engaged in unfair commercial practices and if clear and timely information was given to explain that the tickets could be subject to dynamic pricing.

It will also examine whether consumers were put under pressure to buy tickets within a short period of time, at a higher price than they understood they would have to pay.

Fans are being asked to provide evidence on the CMA's website and to include any screenshots they may have taken during the buying process.

The authority said it would engage with Ticketmaster and gather evidence from other sources, which may include the band's management and event organisers.