Dua Lipa, Coldplay Demand Government Action Against Ticket Scammers
Prominent artists, including Dua Lipa and Coldplay, are demanding action from the UK government to combat ticket reselling at exorbitant prices. These musicians, along with more than 40 others, have signed an open letter urging Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to take decisive steps against online ticket touts. The goal is to protect fans from being financially exploited in the ticket resale marketplace.
Government Action Needed Against Ticket Scammers
The letter highlights the ongoing issue of ticket touts who buy tickets in bulk and resell them at inflated prices. In January, the government initiated a public consultation to address fans’ complaints surrounding this issue. However, seven months later, no concrete legislative actions have emerged.
Staggering Ticket Prices
Recent research from Which? magazine revealed shocking prices for tickets to see Oasis at Wembley Stadium, with listings soaring to £4,442. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) reported that resale tickets are usually marked up by over 50 percent, creating significant financial burdens for fans.
Call for Price Caps
Back in January, the government mentioned considering a price cap of up to 30 percent. Dan Smith from the band Bastille emphasized the disparity between fan protection in the UK and countries like Ireland and Australia, which have implemented similar limits on ticket resales. He stated that support from the government could help create a fairer ticketing environment.
Unified Artist Advocacy
- Musicians such as PJ Harvey, Mark Knopfler, and Iron Maiden have joined the call.
- Artists are urging a legislative commitment in the next King’s Speech.
- The aim is to restore integrity in ticket distribution and enhance public access to arts.
The letter urges immediate government action, stating that it would restore faith in the ticketing system. It could also help genuine fans sell unwanted tickets at their original prices, avoiding the pitfalls created by ticket profiteers.
International Ticket Reselling Issues
The letter coincides with findings from Which? that report international sellers in countries like Brazil, Dubai, and the US buying up tickets for popular events and reselling them for high profits. A previous BBC investigation identified overseas teams acquiring UK concert tickets in bulk for resale, complicating the efforts of fans trying to make secure purchases.
Counterarguments from Resale Platforms
Ticket resale platforms such as Viagogo and StubHub argue that implementing price caps may inadvertently drive customers to unregulated sites, increasing the risk of fraud. Viagogo claims that most resellers are average fans who need to sell tickets they can no longer use, while StubHub expresses a commitment to consumer protections, including a money-back guarantee.
The Bigger Picture
The broader issue highlights the fractured state of the ticketing market, which many artists believe has favored scalpers for too long. As artists and consumer advocates unite in their demands for change, the hope is that the government will act swiftly to protect the interests of devoted music fans.
