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Oasis Reunion Chaos: Legal Threats Plague Ticketmaster as Andy Bell Confirms Line-Up!

Published 6 days ago3 minute read
Precious Eseaye
Precious Eseaye
Oasis Reunion Chaos: Legal Threats Plague Ticketmaster as Andy Bell Confirms Line-Up!

The highly anticipated Oasis reunion tour is set to kick off in 2025, with founding member Andy Bell confirming his participation as bassist. Bell, who played with Oasis from 1999 to 2009 and later with Liam Gallagher’s Beady Eye, is expected to handle the dynamics between the Gallagher brothers. In an interview with Austrian newspaper Oe24, Bell stated, “I’m in and I’m really looking forward to it. We’ll see each other on tour.” He is anticipated to be joined by Beady Eye bandmate Gem Archer, Paul ‘Bonehead’ Arthurs on guitar, and drummer Joey Waronker for the live performances.

The veteran pop combo, led by brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher, has scheduled 41 dates for 2025, beginning in stadiums across the UK and Ireland in July before expanding to multiple continents. This includes three sold-out shows at the Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium on August 8, 9, and 12. Ticket demand was unprecedented, with 10 million people from over 100 countries attempting to secure tickets, which sold out in record time. Support acts for the tour will include Cast, Richard Ashcroft, Cage The Elephant, and Ball Park Music.

However, the manager of Oasis, Alec McKinlay, has dampened hopes for new material and additional tour dates. McKinlay clarified that this reunion is “very much the last time around,” a sentiment echoed by Noel Gallagher in the press. He explained that the tour is primarily “a chance for fans who haven’t seen the band to see them, or at least for some of them to.” McKinlay also debunked earlier rumors, stating, “No, there’s no plan for any new music,” despite Liam Gallagher’s previous claims on social media about a finished new album and being “blown away” by Noel’s new material. McKinlay detailed the stringent efforts to keep the comeback tour secret, working with a limited, trusted group, and described the public’s reaction as “phenomenal” and a welcome positive amidst global events.

The reunion tour has not been without controversy, as the UK competition watchdog, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), has threatened legal action against Ticketmaster for “misleading” ticket selling methods. The CMA, which had previously warned Ticketmaster in March, launched an investigation following thousands of complaints from fans who paid significantly over the odds. Concerns include the sale of ‘platinum’ tickets for up to 2.5 times the price of standard tickets without offering additional benefits, often for seats in the same stadium area, leading customers to believe they were superior. Additionally, Ticketmaster is accused of not informing consumers that there were two price categories for standing tickets, selling all cheaper ones first before releasing the more expensive options, causing confusion and frustration.

Oasis, through a statement, distanced themselves from the dynamic pricing fiasco, clarifying that decisions on ticketing and pricing are entirely left to their promoters and management. The band stated they were “not aware” dynamic pricing would be used. While initial meetings aimed for a fair ticket sale strategy, including dynamic ticketing to manage prices and reduce touting, the “execution of the plan failed to meet expectations” due to unprecedented demand. The band acknowledged that despite efforts to deliver the best fan experience, this became impossible. Fans heading to the Scottish dates were among those who complained about paying far more for tickets than anticipated due to these sales tactics.

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