Ticket Cancellations Spark Controversy
Thousands of tickets for OASIS reunion exhibitions this year have been canceled by Ticketmaster amid a crackdown on ticket-bot activity. However, many fans believe they were unfairly targeted despite legally purchasing their tickets.
- READ MORE: You have to roll with this: a rocky road to the supersonic return of the oasis
Resale Concerns and Fan Outrage
When tickets for the return of Liam and Noel Gallagher went on sale in August last year, it was reported that four percent of tickets—approximately 50,000—ended up on the resale market, despite efforts to curb inflated pricing.
The promoters from Live Nation and SJM group previously stated that any tickets sold through unauthorized resale channels would be canceled and that verified tickets would be reissued through Ticketmaster at face value.
“Reselling of tickets is permitted only at the original purchase price (face value + booking fee),” the statement declared. “Please utilize only official resale partners like Ticketmaster. Selling tickets via unauthorized resale platforms violates these terms and conditions, risking cancellation of those tickets.”
Recently, Ticketmaster contacted some ticket holders to inform them that their tickets were canceled due to suspected bot usage, stating this contravened the tour’s terms.
“These terms are specifically designed to limit the resale of tickets on unauthorized platforms for profit,” the message added. “Fans are strongly advised to refrain from buying tickets through unauthorized resale websites to protect themselves from fraud or cancellations.”
Many Oasis fans expressed their frustration, claiming they were wrongly implicated despite purchasing tickets legitimately.
If the year 2025 has actually worsened – now I do not even have this to wait more
Denying legal fans in their tickets ??@oasis @liamgallagher @Noelgallagher @Bbcbrearich @Nme @TicketMaster @ticketMasteuk @Tmfansupport pic.twitter.com/uroCtknz4s
– Jen 💙 (@lostinmusic72) February 7, 2025
“If 2025 may actually deteriorate – now I don’t even have this to wait more to wait,” wrote one fan on X on Friday (February 7). “Denial of legal fans in their tickets?”
Others echoed similar sentiments, with one user adding: “So what is it full of shit? Forces on my laptop within a few hours on the day of the general sale to get only two tickets for one concert, and you tell me that I will sound!” The post included screenshots taken on the day of sale.
So this is for complete shit @gigsandtours @SJMCONCERTS @oasis @Noelgallagher @liamgallagher? Forces on my laptop within a few hours on the day of the general sale just to get two tickets for one concert, and you tell me that I will sound! Here are my screens on one device per day … pic.twitter.com/xixhzfhr21
– Matthew Evers. February 7, 2025
See more posts from outraged Oasis fans below.
@TicketMasteruk Why did you cancel my tickets for Oasis for this summer? Please contact me to resolve this issue. This is a shame.
– Paddy Hogan (@Paddyhogan09) February 7, 2025
@TicketMastercs I just received an email saying that my tickets for Oasis were canceled due to bot activity, but I purchased them from my own account and credit card. This must be a mistake—can you assist me?
– מאיה פז🎗 Maya Paz (@pazfeed) February 7, 2025
@TicketMastercs I just received an email stating that my tickets for Oasis were canceled due to bot activity. We bought them legally through presale. Can someone help?
– Michael Rodriguez (@Mrod32_) February 7, 2025
@TicketMastercs
I received an email saying that my tickets for Oasis were canceled due to suspected bot usage, which is incorrect.– Caamzi ⁷ (@caamgtan) February 7, 2025
NME reached out to Ticketmaster for clarification, and they advised anyone with questions to consult this FAQ.
The page states: “For ticket buyers who believe their tickets were mistakenly canceled, refer to the email sent by the relevant agent for details.”
In response to queries about how they identified tickets purchased via bots, they stated: “Fraud specialists examined all sales and flagged any instances of bot activity. We cannot provide specific details as we wish to prevent unauthorized parties from exploiting this information.”
Soon after ticket sales began last summer, some were listed on secondary markets for as much as £10,000, prompting the band to post on social media: “We are aware that people are attempting to sell tickets on the secondary market since the beginning of the presale. Please remember that tickets can be resold at face value only through Ticketmaster and Twickets.”
“Tickets sold in violation of these terms will be canceled by the promoters.” Twickets emphasized their stance, stating, “Do not buy tickets above face value. Official resale will only be available on our site/app at face value.”
This issue of excessive ticket pricing has raised significant concern, and the UK government recently announced that it would soon introduce measures to cap how much tickets can be resold for.
In January, they launched a public consultation aimed at implementing measures to better protect fans, improve access to live events, and support the growth of the UK’s vibrant live event sector.
The Minister of State for Data Protection and Digital Policy, Sir Chris Bryant, told NME: “The key issue is how many tickets can be purchased, as it’s evident that bots using fake identities can scoop up hundreds. How do we address this?”
“The second point is about capping prices—should it be only face value? This is how the Principality Stadium handles Welsh rugby matches. Or should it be face value plus fees or an additional 10-30 percent? We are consulting on this range of options.”
In addition to resale issues, the Oasis ticket sale faced criticism for implementing “dynamic pricing,” where ticket prices can surge—often by hundreds of pounds—without any prior notice due to high demand.
This practice caused backlash among thousands of fans, with experts claiming it could infringe on consumer rights. Currently, it is under investigation by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
The band previously stated that they were “not aware” that dynamic pricing would be utilized, insisting that earlier discussions among promoters, Ticketmaster, and the band aimed to create a fair ticketing experience for fans. The implementation of that plan, however, did not meet expectations.
The tour is scheduled to kick off at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on July 4, followed by performances at Heaton Park in Manchester, Wembley Stadium in London, Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, and Dublin Park. They will also have shows in Canada, the USA, Mexico, South Korea, Japan, Australia, Argentina, Chile, and Brazil.
https://www.nme.com/news/music/thousands-of-oasis-tickets-are-now-being-cancelled-by-ticketmaster-in-bot-crackdown-but-many-fans-are-unhappy-3836142?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=thousands-of-oasis-tickets-are-now-being-cancelled-by-ticketmaster-in-bot-crackdown-but-many-fans-are-unhappy
