Key Highlights
- A group of more than 40 British musicians including Radiohead, Dua Lipa, and Coldplay has signed a statement to the U.K. government.
- The artists are calling for action against “secondary ticketing” platforms like Viagogo and StubHub.
- Artists fear that these resale websites allow touts to resell tickets at inflated prices, preventing fans from accessing live events.
- A government spokesperson stated they are committed to clamping down on touts but hasn’t taken action yet.
Introduction to the Issue of Ticket Resale Prices
The ticket resale market has long been a point of contention for both artists and fans. Recently, a group of more than 40 British musicians, including well-known acts like Radiohead, Dua Lipa, and Coldplay, have sent a statement to Prime Minister Keir Starmer asking him to cap the prices on secondary ticketing platforms.
According to the statement, these “secondary ticketing” websites such as Viagogo and StubHub allow touts to bulk buy tickets at face value and resell them at inflated prices. This practice not only forces fans to pay more for their tickets but also leaves some without access to live events altogether.
Artists’ Concerns and Call to Action
The statement from the group of artists emphasizes that this issue is “extortionate and pernicious.” They cite specific examples such as Oasis tickets for Wembley Stadium being listed at £3,498.85 on Stubhub and £4,442 on Viagogo, and an All Points East festival ticket priced at £114,666 on Viagogo. These prices are far beyond the original face value, making access to live events a luxury for many fans.
By signing this statement, these artists aim to pressure the government into taking decisive action. They request that resale prices be capped to ensure that tickets remain accessible and affordable for genuine fans, not just touts seeking profit.
Government Response and Consultation Process
The U.K. government has shown willingness to address this issue. During the last general election campaign, it pledged to cap ticket resale prices but has yet to implement any measures. In January 2025, the government launched a consultation process to determine an appropriate price cap.
A spokesperson for the government stated that “this government is fully committed to clamping down on touts and is going further to put fans back at the heart of live events.” They noted that they have carefully considered evidence provided in response to their consultation earlier this year, but have not yet announced specific plans.
Consumer Group’s Involvement and Future Recommendations
The consumer group Which? has also released a study highlighting the issue. Their research found that many resale tickets are aggressively inflated in price, making access to live events challenging for fans. According to Lisa Webb from Which?, “the prime minister pledged to protect fans and a price cap on resold tickets will be a critical step towards fixing this industry.” She emphasized the need for further reforms such as ensuring sellers actually own the tickets they advertise before listing them.
Experts believe that implementing these measures could help in making live events more accessible, but also noted that enforcement is crucial to ensure effectiveness. They suggest that resale platforms should verify key information about a ticket and ensure the identities of sellers are checked to prevent illegal behavior on less-regulated sites.
Conclusion
The call for capping secondary ticketing prices highlights a persistent issue in the live events industry, where touts can exploit fans’ desire to attend concerts. With both artists and consumers united in their efforts, it remains to be seen whether the government’s commitment will translate into tangible action that protects the interests of genuine music lovers.
