Ticketmaster accused of misleading Oasis fans

Ticketmaster has been accused of breaching consumer law over the sale of Oasis tickets for their Dublin gigs.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) accused Ticketmaster of providing prices for tickets in a way that was unclear and offering platinum tickets in a way that would cause customers to be misled.

Oasis performed in Croke Park on 16 August and 17 August as part of their wider reunion tour.

More than 900,000 tickets were sold for Oasis's long-awaited reunion tour when they went on sale on 31 August 2024, but many fans complained about what they labelled unclear pricing.

Hundreds of thousands of fans sat in online queues in the hope of being able to buy a ticket for the tour that came 15 years after the group disbanded.

"Dynamic pricing" on Ticketmaster, where prices rise in line with demand, set some remaining tickets at more than £350 - up from £135 when the sale began.

At the time, Ticketmaster said they did not set ticket prices, with their website stating: "Promoters and artists set ticket prices. Prices can be either fixed or market-based. Market-based tickets are labelled as 'Platinum' or 'In Demand'."

Ticketmaster confirmed that fans did not get anything else for the price increase.

Irish broadcaster RTÉ has reported that Ticketline Unlimited Company, trading as Ticketmaster, faces two charges under the Consumer Protection Act in connection with Oasis tickets sold in 2024.

Remy Farrell, who is representing Ticketmaster, told Dublin District Court that he anticipated that "the case will be fully contested".

A spokesperson for the CCPC said: "The CCPC investigation into Ticketmaster handling of the sale of Oasis tickets in 2024 is finished and a prosecution relating to two alleged offences under the Consumer Protection Act 2007 has commenced."

The CCPC accused Ticketmaster of providing prices for tickets in a way that was unclear, in a manner that was likely to cause the average customer to make a decision they would not otherwise make.

They also accused Ticketmaster of offering platinum tickets in a way that would cause the average customer to be misled regarding what the product was, and to make a decision they would not otherwise make.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Ticketmaster said: "As this matter is now before the courts, Ticketmaster cannot comment further at this time."

In 2024, a number of senators and TDs (Irish MPs) said they wanted to introduce legislation in the Republic of Ireland that would ban 'dynamic pricing' following price increases for Oasis gigs in Dublin.

The cost of some standing tickets at Croke Park in Dublin rose from €176 (£148) on pre-sale to more than €400 (£337).

The sold-out shows in Dublin marked Oasis' first gigs on Irish soil since 2008.

Liam and Noel Gallagher's parents, Peggy and Thomas, are both Irish and emigrated to England.

In 2025, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said Ticketmaster had agreed to tell fans 24 hours in advance if a tiered pricing system was being used, as it was for Oasis tickets, and give more information about ticket prices during online queues.

As a result, Ticketmaster will have to provide more information about prices during online queues, helping fans anticipate how much they might have to pay.

At the time, a spokesperson for Ticketmaster said in a statement: "We welcome the CMA's confirmation there was no dynamic pricing, no unfair practices and that we did not breach consumer law."