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Oasis Reunion Rocks On: Legal Woes & Mega Gigs Ahead

Published 2 months ago5 minute read
Precious Eseaye
Precious Eseaye
Oasis Reunion Rocks On: Legal Woes & Mega Gigs Ahead

The UK competition watchdog, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), has escalated its concerns with Ticketmaster, threatening legal action over “misleading” ticket sales methods for the recent Oasis reunion tour. This development follows a warning issued in March by the CMA, which stated that Ticketmaster had “breached the law” and “misled fans” during the initial sale of Oasis tickets last summer. The controversy stemmed from thousands of fans reportedly paying significantly inflated prices, with some reaching over £350 for tickets originally priced at £150.

Key concerns raised by the watchdog include Ticketmaster’s practice of labeling certain seated tickets as ‘platinum’. These tickets were sold for up to “near 2.5 times the price of equivalent standard tickets,” without adequate explanation that they offered no additional benefits and were often located in the same areas as standard seats. This practice, the CMA claims, misled customers into believing platinum tickets provided a superior experience. Furthermore, Ticketmaster is accused of potentially breaking the law by failing to inform consumers about two different price categories for standing tickets. It was alleged that all cheaper tickets were sold first before the more expensive ones were released, leaving customers waiting and unaware they would face higher costs.

Oasis, for their part, attributed the dynamic pricing fiasco to their management, asserting that the band was “not aware” such a system would be used. A statement from the band clarified that decisions on ticketing and pricing were left entirely to their promoters and management. While initial meetings aimed for a fair ticket sale strategy, including dynamic ticketing to manage prices and reduce touting, the execution reportedly “failed to meet expectations” due to “unprecedented demand.”

As the sell-out 41-date reunion tour progresses, discussions about Oasis’s future beyond the current engagements are rife. The band has reportedly been offered four massive shows at Knebworth House next year, commemorating the 30th anniversary of their iconic 1996 concerts at the venue. There are also rumors of a potential residency at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, home to their beloved football club, Manchester City. Despite the fervent speculation and numerous offers from private bidders and festivals like Coachella and Benicassim, sources close to Noel and Liam Gallagher indicate that they are not considering any solid plans or bookings for 2026, intending to take a “well-earned holiday” once the current tour concludes. The decision to either “draw a line in the sand” or “keep the magic going” is described as a difficult one, given the reunion’s significant cultural impact.

On the tour itself, Liam Gallagher has faced new restrictions, announcing on stage in Scotland that he has been banned from throwing his tambourine and maracas into the crowd. This measure was implemented after incidents at previous Wembley shows where fans reportedly mobbed a female fan to snatch his maracas. During their performances at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, Liam also publicly lambasted Edinburgh Council Chiefs, calling them “f****** slags” in response to leaked documents that allegedly branded Oasis fans as “fat, drunk, and rowdy.” He further mocked the city’s Fringe festival, criticizing its performers and implying the band would bring “two billion pounds” into the city, none of which the council would see.

Beyond the world of Oasis, other entertainment figures are making headlines. Actor Jamie Dornan is promoting Diet Coke, showcasing his passion for cold-water swimming and his physique in new advertisements. Angelina Jolie is reportedly preparing to sell her $24.5 million Hollywood home, acquired in 2017 to be near Brad Pitt, ahead of their youngest child’s 18th birthday. Reality star Maura Higgins has spoken about experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder after finding fame on Love Island due to bad advisers, but now feels more in control with a new team, and is set to appear on The Traitors US.

In music news, Florence + The Machine are teasing a return, three years after their last album, with frontwoman Florence Welch posting a cryptic 23-second video on Instagram. Jade Thirlwall of Little Mix is set to release her solo album, 'That’s Showbiz Baby,' on September 12, becoming the first group member to do so. Her boyfriend, Jordan Stephens, will make a special, albeit brief, appearance in her upcoming music video. Pop superstar Beyoncé has shown her appreciation for her team, reportedly gifting thousands of pounds worth of Louis Vuitton luxury items to her dancers after wrapping her extensive Cowboy Carter world tour.

Nostalgia struck when Joe Jonas and Demi Lovato reunited on stage 15 years after their brief relationship, performing songs from their 2008 Disney movie, Camp Rock, during the Jonas Brothers’ 20th-anniversary tour. Speculation is also brewing about a potential third Camp Rock film. Looking to 2026, My Chemical Romance has become the first act to announce headline shows at Wembley Stadium on July 10 and 11, marking two decades since their hit 'Welcome To The Black Parade'.

On the big screen, the horror movie 'Weapons', starring Josh Brolin and Julia Garner, topped the UK box office over the weekend, taking £2.6 million. It outperformed Lindsay Lohan’s Disney sequel 'Freakier Friday', which earned £1.8 million. 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' added £1.4 million in its third week, bringing its total to £19 million, while 'The Naked Gun' took £1.1 million, accumulating £4.4 million since its release.

Finally, the immersive play 'You Me Bum Bum Train', known for turning guests into show stars and counting Prince Harry and Madonna among its fans, is in early discussions for a transfer to Las Vegas. Superfan James Corden reportedly helped introduce the creators, Kate Bond and Morgan Lloyd, to MGM executives in Sin City. However, there are concerns that making the show too commercial could compromise its unique magic.

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