BBC Breakfast Fans Frustrated as Dynamic Pricing Debate Heats Up Over Oasis Tickets
BBC Breakfast viewers expressed their frustration during the latest episode as hosts Jon Kay and Sally Nugent delved into the controversial topic of “dynamic pricing,” following the recent frenzy over Oasis tickets that went on sale over the weekend.
The government is preparing to address the issue of dynamic pricing, a practice that has left many fans disheartened by the “depressing” and “extortionate” prices being charged for the chance to see Liam and Noel Gallagher next year.
Previously, the government announced plans to review ticket resale websites as part of a consultation scheduled for the autumn. The backlash from Oasis fans, who faced inflated prices and long online queues, has prompted officials to reconsider the contentious pricing strategy.
Ticketmaster, where the reunion tour tickets were initially sold, faced heavy criticism as prices skyrocketed due to dynamic pricing—a system where costs increase with demand. Some fans reported seeing tickets jump from an initial price of £135 to over £350 when they went live on Saturday (August 30).
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has voiced her concerns, stating her commitment to preventing “rip-off resales” and ensuring that concert-goers can buy tickets “at fair prices,” as reported by the Express.
On social media, the frustration was palpable. One irritated viewer tweeted, “Oh ffs #bbcbreakfast! Bloody Oasis again! We get it – people have been ripped off because they are stupid enough to pay silly prices! Move on!” Another added, “#bbcbreakfast And here we go again, b****y Oasis tickets WE DON’T GIVE A S**T! Please stop it, for the love of God.”
Lucy Powell, the Leader of the House of Commons, was among those affected by dynamic pricing, revealing that she paid more than double the original quoted cost for an Oasis ticket over the weekend. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, she admitted, “I do not ‘particularly like’ surge pricing, but that ‘it is the market and how it operates’.” Not all fans were as understanding. Jamie Moore expressed his disappointment, stating he had never felt “so let down by a website” in his life.
Schellion Horn, a competition economist at Grant Thornton, explained on BBC’s Today program that dynamic pricing adjusts prices based on supply and demand. She noted that as demand for tickets increases, so does the price, but emphasized the lack of transparency, as many buyers were unaware that dynamic pricing was in effect.
In response to the controversy, Ticketmasters clarified that they do not set ticket prices, which are determined by the “event organizer” who prices tickets according to their market value. As of now, Oasis and the band’s promoter have not commented on the matter.