I've made thousands touting Oasis tickets and I don't feel guilty
'It is purely a middle-class problem that you can't go and see a band you like,' the tout told us
Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher
(Image: WireImage )
A tout has boasted of profiting thousands from flogging Oasis tickets at inflated prices — without a single pang of guilt. Since the Britpop legends' reunion tour was announced last year, there has been a feverish clamour for tickets.
Touts, of course, have not hesitated to cash in, many of them demanding exorbitant figures from fans desperate to see the beloved rockers. One Welsh tout agreed to speak to WalesOnline on the condition of anonymity, revealing the amount he's raked in from Oasis' comeback and his justifications for his "side hustle".
The tout (we'll call him Jim) has sold 24 tickets for the tour, which kicked off on Friday at Cardiff's Principality Stadium. You can read our coverage of the night here.
Jim is, to put it mildly, not a charmer. When we ask how much he has been selling Oasis tickets for, he brands the seemingly straightforward question "stupid", adding: "It depends on when you sell them, where the tickets are and who you're selling them to."
After some coaxing, he explains he bought the 24 tickets in the initial sale, spending between £75 and £200 on each, and then made a total profit of around £5,000, using resale websites like StubHub and Viagogo.
"The process to sell them on is fairly straightforward," says Jim. "Just stick them on a website and people buy them, or stick a message into a WhatsApp group and people will reply."
Article continues below
Does he not feel guilty? "Not at all. We live in a capitalist society. I am not taking away anything anyone needs to survive — these tickets are a luxury."
He adds: "Do you think supermarkets feel bad ripping off farmers for produce and then charging us extortionate prices for things we cannot live without?"
In news that is unlikely to shock you, Jim does not think legislation is needed to clamp down on touting. He tells us: "It is purely a middle-class problem that you can't go and see a band you like. I think [legislation] is a complete waste of time."
But aren't people like Jim pricing working-class people out of culture by hoovering up tickets and charging huge amounts? "Just supply and demand," he replies. "I'm priced out of a business-class flight because I can't afford it."
Jim does not think he is so different to Ticketmaster, which came under fire for the original Oasis sale in which standard standing tickets went from being advertised at £135 plus fees to being re-labelled "in demand" and costing £355 plus fees.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) later said Ticketmaster may have breached consumer protection law by selling "platinum" tickets for almost 2.5 times the standard price without explaining they carried no extra benefits.
After the watchdog ordered Ticketmaster to change the way it labels tickets, the US firm said it "welcomed the CMA's input".
Ticketmaster's UK director Andrew Parsons told MPs earlier this year: "We don't change prices in any automated or algorithmic way."
Jim claims: "Ticketmaster's 'dynamic pricing' is no different from what I did. So much criticism on me making a few quid as a side hustle when Ticketmaster can say tickets are £200 then sell them for £400 after people were queueing [online] for four hours."
How much does Jim make from touting in a year? He declines to answer, though he says the aim is always to double his investment. His biggest return on a ticket has been 1,850%.
Touting is not Jim's main income stream, though he says: "It did help while I was unemployed for a number of months due to the s*** job market."
He has not thought about quitting his job and living off touting because "it's too unpredictable and there's no real satisfaction".
Jim is not worried by the UK Government's plans to curb bulk-buying of tickets for profit by capping the price of resale tickets.
The proposed cap — which could be anywhere from face value to 30% higher — would apply to tickets across the live events industry from sport and music to stand-up and theatre.
"I'm not concerned," says Jim. "If the Government cracks down I'll just stop doing it. It's a side hustle, just a nice profit on the side."
Article continues below
According to analysis by the CMA, tickets sold on the resale market are typically marked up by more than 50%. Fans of musicians including Taylor Swift have complained of gig tickets being listed online for thousands of pounds just minutes after the initial sale ended.
Government ministers have proposed a limit on the number of tickets that resellers can offer, or the number they can buy in the original sale. They are also considering action on dynamic pricing.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said earlier this year: "We are taking action to strengthen consumer protections, stop fans getting ripped off and ensure money spent on tickets goes back into our incredible live events sector, instead of into the pockets of greedy touts."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NBC News
14 minutes ago
- NBC News
Oasis returns after 16-year hiatus to a UK crowd ecstatic for the band's 1990s hits
After a montage of headlines about the sparring siblings was capped with the words 'the guns have fallen silent,' Oasis appeared on stage to a deafening roar, opening with the apt 'Hello' and its refrain of 'it's good to be back.' The brothers had a brief hand-in-hand moment but largely kept their distance onstage. Noel, 58, focused on his guitar while a parka-clad Liam, 52, snarled into the microphone with a swagger that has not dimmed in the three decades since the band released its first album, 'Definitely Maybe.' A crowd of more than 60,000 in the Principality Stadium was treated to a well-paced two-hour set that drew heavily on the first album and its 1995 followup, '(What's the Story) Morning Glory,' alongside a smattering of later tracks and fan-favorite B-sides. Song like 'Supersonic,' 'Roll With It' and 'Rock 'n' Roll Star' sounded as thunderous as ever and sparked mass sing-alongs. 'Turn around,' a tambourine-clutching Liam exhorted the crowd before launching into 'Cigarettes and Alcohol,' another classic. 'Put your arms over each other like you love each other.' There was poignancy on 'Live Forever' when an image of Liverpool Football Club player Diogo Jota, who was killed in a car crash on Thursday, was projected above the band. Noel took his turn on lead vocals for several songs, including the touching 'Half the World Away,' and the show ended with encores featuring some of Oasis' most enduring tracks: 'Don't Look Back in Anger,' 'Wonderwall' and 'Champagne Supernova.' Multicolored, sometimes faintly psychedelic projections formed the main technological accoutrement to a show where the focus was squarely on the songs. There was little banter, though Liam paused between songs to check the audience was having a good time. 'Was it worth the 40,000 pounds you paid for the ticket?' he asked at one point, referring to the scramble for seats that saw some fans pay hundreds to see a show. 'Very, very special' The show in Cardiff kicked off a 19-date Live '25 tour in the U.K. and Ireland. Then come stops in North America, South America, Asia and Australia, ending in Sao Paulo on Nov. 23. Before the show, the streets around the stadium filled with fans who gathered in groups to sing along to the band's hits and snapped up Oasis-branded bucket hats at 35 pounds ($48) each. 'It's very, very special — emotional,' said 44-year old Rob Maule from Edinburgh, Scotland. 'I'm here with three of my friends, childhood friends, and we used to see Oasis across the country. 'For us, it's a generational thing. It's a chapter of our lives,' he said. 'And then the second generation, as people are taking their kids. It's really special.' Vicki Moynehan came from Dorchester, in southwest England. She said her life has changed since she bought her ticket almost a year ago. 'Seven months pregnant — ain't gonna stop me,' she said. Sing-along rock choruses Founded in the working-class streets of Manchester, England, in 1991, Oasis was one of the dominant British acts of the 1990s, releasing eight U.K. No. 1 albums. The band's sound was fueled by sing-along rock choruses and the combustible chemistry between guitarist-songwriter Noel Gallagher — a Beatles and glam rock-loving musician with a knack for memorable tunes — and younger brother Liam. Then and since, the brothers have often traded barbs — onstage, in the studio and in interviews. Liam once called Noel 'tofu boy,' while Noel branded his brother 'the angriest man you'll ever meet. He's like a man with a fork in a world of soup.' 'An absolute unbelievable blast' The announcement of the U.K. tour in August sparked a ticket-buying frenzy, complete with error messages, hourslong online queues, dashed hopes and anger at prices that surged at the last minute. Some fans who waited online for hours at the Ticketmaster site complained that they ended up paying 355 pounds ($485) for regular standing tickets instead of the expected 148 pounds ($202). The ticketing troubles sparked questions in U.K. Parliament, where Arts Minister Chris Bryant criticized 'practices that see fans of live events blindsided by price hikes.' Britain's competition regulator has since threatened Ticketmaster — which sold around 900,000 Oasis tickets — with legal action. No plans have been announced for Oasis to record any new music, and the tour is being presented as a one-off. Music writer John Aizlewood said that it's an opportunity for Oasis to 'tend the legacy' of the band, and remind people of the power of the Oasis brand. 'There should be a sense of huge joy and life affirmation about these shows. And I think if they can just play it right, then that can be a massive burnishing of their legacy,' he said. '(There is) this enduring love for Oasis — and love means money.' Fans were determined to enjoy the moment. 'I'm the oldest sibling of four brothers, so I know they'll fall out,' said Stephen Truscott, from Middlesbrough in northeast England. '(But) the first night, they're going to have an absolute unbelievable blast. It's going to be the best.'
Wales Online
37 minutes ago
- Wales Online
Everything Liam Gallagher said in Cardiff as he aims jibes at first Oasis reunion crowd
Everything Liam Gallagher said in Cardiff as he aims jibes at first Oasis reunion crowd The cheekiest Gallagher brother was even booed by fans at one point The Gallagher brothers returned to the stage together in Cardiff after 16 years (Image: Samir Hussein/WireImage ) They made headlines across the world when the Oasis reunion tour kicked off last night in Cardiff. The band returned to the stage after 16 years, performing classic hits from their beloved albums. Stay updated as fans arrive in Cardiff for day two here. There have been glowing reviews from those who were there but it wouldn't be an Oasis concert without a couple of cheeky jibes to get the audience riled up. With over 70,000 people in the crowd it seemed to be Liam who addressed the audience the most, even garnering boos after one comment he made during the set. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here Kicking off the much anticipated set with Hello, Liam then addressed the audience for the first time saying: "Hey beautiful people it's been too long." Over 70,000 people filled the stadium on Friday night (Image:) People travelled across the globe from places such as Argentina, USA, Japan and Thailand but it was not only those who came from afar that spent a lot of money to see the Gallagher brothers. The extortionate ticket prices have been the centre of controversy and it seems that Liam has seen the comments as he jibbed at the audience: "You alright, you all having a good time? "Was it worth the £40,000 you paid for the ticket?" Content cannot be displayed without consent Introducing many people's favourite song, Champagne Supernova, Liam thanked their fans for "putting up with them". He said: "Right then beautiful people this is it. Nice one for putting up with us over the years. "We are hard work, I get it. Champagne Supernova, nice one for coming out." And he mentioned one of Wales' much loved treasures. "Right, we want all the Charlotte Churches here singing, helping us out here now," he said. However not all comments had such a good reaction as Liam suprisingly received boos from fans after asking them one question relating to where they'd come from. He queried: "Anybody here from Manchester? Anyone here from Burn-aaage?" But the reaction didn't dampen his mood as he continued on with the show. The brothers will be returning to the stage at the Principality tonight - Saturday, July 5 - for their second reunited performance before heading across the UK and the rest of the world to continue the tour. Want to get last minute tickets? Tickets for the Oasis reunion sold out across all venues due to huge demand when they went online earlier in the year. However, there are still several options available for fans trying to snag a last-minute spot. Limited last-minute tickets can be bought from the official Ticketmaster resale site, where fans who can no longer go sell their seats, although these tend to go into and out of stock quickly. Elsewhere, resale sites like Viagogo, Vivid Seats, StubHub and Twickets are selling tickets for various dates with prices from £121, although fans should always bear in mind that many official sites, such as Ticketmaster and Live Nation, discourage the purchase of resale tickets. Article continues below Viagogo and resale tickets Sites such as viagogo, Stubhub, and Vivid Seats allow fans to buy resale tickets from other fans. However, it is important to note that ticket conditions often prohibit resale after initial purchase. Those tickets may not be valid for admittance to gigs. Fans intending to buy tickets for live events through resale websites should check the ticket terms and conditions, to confirm whether resale is prohibited, before they buy. Ticket terms and conditions can be checked with the original seller, such as Ticketmaster or Live Nation. If resale is prohibited, tickets bought second-hand could be voided and admission to the event refused.
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Lewis Capaldi sends emotional message to fans at Noah Kahan concert
Lewis Capaldi is back in the spotlight, where he belongs (Image: Getty Images) Lewis Capaldi sent a tear-jerking message to fans at Noah Kahan's gig in Hyde Park last night. The Scottish star, 28, who brought the house down singing Northern Attitude with Kahan - who has been vocal about his own mental health journey - is now back where he belongs after taking a break from the spotlight following a difficult few years. Following his glittering return to Glastonbury last week after taking time out to focus on his mental health and 'adjust' to his Tourette's diagnosis after he was left unable to finish his set back at Worthy Farm in 2023, Lewis told fans - who had no idea he would be performing at BST - he was glad to be back. READ MORE: Noel Gallagher's daughter gives 5-word verdict on Oasis gig after mum walks out Lewis Capaldi made a surprise appearance at Noah Kahan's gig at BST Hyde Park (Image: hitsradiouk/Tiktok) The singer, who ran onto the stage in darkness before joining Kahan in the second verse of their song, told fans of his new track, Survive: "Survive is this week's UK Number One, and I want to say a massive thank you to everybody who's been streaming it, downloading it - it really means the world." Thanking the audience for their "outpouring of love", he continued: "I've been away for a little while and to come back to this outpouring of love and support has been absolutely incredible. "I can't thank everybody enough for all the kind words since Glastonbury - and now this! It's been the best week of my life. I hope you continue to enjoy the song, it means a lot to me." After bringing fans to tears at Glastonbury last week, Lewis has shifted a whopping 68,500 Survive records in its first week, including more than four million streams, surpassing the much-loved singer's previous best of 56,000 with the 2022 song Forget Me. The musician, who has spoken openly about having been diagnosed with Tourette syndrome, heartbreakingly had to pull out of Glastonbury two years ago as he told fans: "I'm still learning to adjust to the impact of my Tourette's and on Saturday it became obvious that I need to spend much more time getting my mental and physical health in order." Noah played Northern Attitude with Lewis (Image: Getty) Lewis issued an update later that year in which he said: "I'm currently taking some time off to focus on my health and wellbeing and it's been going great!" Following his epic comeback last week, it has now been announced that Lewis will embark on a UK and Ireland tour later this year. The news was shared on June 30 and it's been revealed that the star will perform ten shows in cities including Manchester and Glasgow. The new tour, which will be Lewis' first headline tour in more than two years, will kick off in Sheffield on September 7 and is scheduled to conclude in Dublin on September 29. The Hold Me While You Wait star will visit a host of other cities in between those two dates, including two nights at the O2 in London. He will also visit venues in Aberdeen, Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham, Nottingham and Cardiff. READ MORE: Kickers' 'durable' Back to School shoe range that 'last all year' Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Thread
