Oasis fans can sue Ticketmaster

Oasis fans could pursue legal action against Ticketmaster regarding the dynamic pricing strategy employed for the band's highly anticipated reunion tour, according to legal experts. This pricing model, which raises ticket prices when demand is high and supply is low, may have violated consumer protection laws.

 

Customers were reportedly unaware that ticket prices would more than double, escalating from the advertised price of £148 to £355. In response to growing criticism, both the government and the Competition and Markets Authority are reviewing the implications of dynamic pricing.

 

Richard Pike, a partner at Fieldfisher, stated that ticket purchasers might unite to file a collective lawsuit against Ticketmaster. "They could claim breaches of consumer law or pursue common law actions for misrepresentation," he explained. "To do this, they would need to bring a case to the High Court. It could resemble the advertisements you see asking if you've had an accident or purchased PPI."

 

He emphasized that the merits of such actions appear strong, as many customers did not anticipate dynamic pricing until they had spent a considerable amount of time trying to secure tickets. "There's a psychological commitment involved; after waiting so long, you're more likely to accept a higher price," Pike noted, suggesting that this pricing tactic exploits consumer urgency.

 

However, he cautioned that the practicality of the legal action would hinge on the total damages involved, which may only amount to a few hundred pounds per individual—potentially insufficient to cover legal costs. In contrast, claims related to mis-sold payment protection insurance (PPI) can yield damages of thousands.

 

The reunion tour tickets were exclusively available through Ticketmaster, which increased prices due to overwhelming demand. Lawyers pointed out that the lack of information about remaining ticket availability or the number of customers queuing may represent potential violations of consumer protection laws.

 

While dynamic pricing is not prohibited, businesses must not mislead consumers regarding the prices they pay for products. Trading Standards indicated that Ticketmaster might have violated the law by failing to inform customers of potential price hikes due to high demand before they began queuing.

 

Maksymilian Hara, a senior associate solicitor specializing in competition disputes at Leigh Day, noted that if competition regulations were breached, fans could be entitled to file a joint claim under competition law at the Competition Appeal Tribunal.

 

Ticketmaster has been approached for a comment regarding these developments.

 

E&K Solicitors

Rusholme