Ticketmaster Slams Door on Scalpers as Olivia Dean Takes Aim at Resale Practices
Following a public scolding from British singer-songwriter Olivia Dean, Ticketmaster has announced it will be issuing partial refunds to fans who were misled by the company's resale practices during her sold-out North American tour. The move comes after Dean publicly condemned Ticketmaster for allowing tickets to be resold at exorbitant prices - up to 14 times their original face value.
In a scathing Instagram post, Dean criticized Ticketmaster and other major ticketing companies for perpetuating "vile" resale practices that make live music inaccessible to fans. She called on the industry giants to do better and support artists' efforts to keep tickets affordable and accessible.
Ticketmaster initially responded by stating its support for artists setting their own terms regarding ticket sales and resales, but later admitted it was in the process of refunding customers who had paid inflated prices on resale sites operated by Ticketmaster. The company's CEO, Michael Rapino, echoed Dean's sentiments, emphasizing the need to prioritize affordability and accessibility in the live music industry.
However, some have questioned whether Ticketmaster's move is a genuine effort to address the issue or simply a PR stunt. In response, the UK government has announced plans to introduce legislation making it illegal for tickets to be resold at prices exceeding their original cost.
As one of the biggest breakout artists in the UK, Dean's criticism of Ticketmaster has resonated with fans and fellow musicians alike. Her stance on resale practices is a timely reminder that the live music industry needs to adapt and prioritize affordability, accessibility, and transparency to ensure that music remains for everyone - not just those who can afford it.
In the meantime, fans who were affected by Ticketmaster's resale practices may find some solace in knowing they will receive partial refunds. While this move is a step in the right direction, many are calling on industry leaders to take more drastic action to address the root causes of ticket price inflation and ensure that live music remains an inclusive and accessible experience for all.
Following a public scolding from British singer-songwriter Olivia Dean, Ticketmaster has announced it will be issuing partial refunds to fans who were misled by the company's resale practices during her sold-out North American tour. The move comes after Dean publicly condemned Ticketmaster for allowing tickets to be resold at exorbitant prices - up to 14 times their original face value.
In a scathing Instagram post, Dean criticized Ticketmaster and other major ticketing companies for perpetuating "vile" resale practices that make live music inaccessible to fans. She called on the industry giants to do better and support artists' efforts to keep tickets affordable and accessible.
Ticketmaster initially responded by stating its support for artists setting their own terms regarding ticket sales and resales, but later admitted it was in the process of refunding customers who had paid inflated prices on resale sites operated by Ticketmaster. The company's CEO, Michael Rapino, echoed Dean's sentiments, emphasizing the need to prioritize affordability and accessibility in the live music industry.
However, some have questioned whether Ticketmaster's move is a genuine effort to address the issue or simply a PR stunt. In response, the UK government has announced plans to introduce legislation making it illegal for tickets to be resold at prices exceeding their original cost.
As one of the biggest breakout artists in the UK, Dean's criticism of Ticketmaster has resonated with fans and fellow musicians alike. Her stance on resale practices is a timely reminder that the live music industry needs to adapt and prioritize affordability, accessibility, and transparency to ensure that music remains for everyone - not just those who can afford it.
In the meantime, fans who were affected by Ticketmaster's resale practices may find some solace in knowing they will receive partial refunds. While this move is a step in the right direction, many are calling on industry leaders to take more drastic action to address the root causes of ticket price inflation and ensure that live music remains an inclusive and accessible experience for all.