Ticketmaster has begun refunding fans who purchased Olivia Dean's North American tour tickets on its site for more than face value, following a scathing critique by the British singer.
In an Instagram post, Dean condemned Ticketmaster and other major ticketing companies for allowing touts to relist tickets at inflated prices, calling it "vile" and claiming that it goes against artists' wishes. The practice has long been a contentious issue in the music industry, with some arguing that it creates inequality and hysteria among fans.
Ticketmaster initially responded by stating its support for artists' control over ticket sales, but later said it was taking steps to cap resale prices at face value and refund fans who had paid more than the original price.
The company's parent, Live Nation Entertainment, echoed Dean's sentiments in a statement, vowing to lead by example and ensure that live music remains accessible to fans.
However, many in the industry are calling for greater regulation of ticket resale prices. The UK government recently announced plans to make it illegal to resell tickets for more than their original cost, following lobbying from prominent acts such as Coldplay and Dua Lipa.
For Dean, this issue is personal. Her tour sold out in minutes on November 21, with tickets appearing on resale sites at prices in excess of $1,000. The singer's frustration with Ticketmaster is evident, but her message to fans is clear: they have the power to demand better and should not be priced out of live music.
In a statement, Dean emphasized the importance of fairness and accessibility in ticketing, urging artists, fans, and industry leaders to do "better".
In an Instagram post, Dean condemned Ticketmaster and other major ticketing companies for allowing touts to relist tickets at inflated prices, calling it "vile" and claiming that it goes against artists' wishes. The practice has long been a contentious issue in the music industry, with some arguing that it creates inequality and hysteria among fans.
Ticketmaster initially responded by stating its support for artists' control over ticket sales, but later said it was taking steps to cap resale prices at face value and refund fans who had paid more than the original price.
The company's parent, Live Nation Entertainment, echoed Dean's sentiments in a statement, vowing to lead by example and ensure that live music remains accessible to fans.
However, many in the industry are calling for greater regulation of ticket resale prices. The UK government recently announced plans to make it illegal to resell tickets for more than their original cost, following lobbying from prominent acts such as Coldplay and Dua Lipa.
For Dean, this issue is personal. Her tour sold out in minutes on November 21, with tickets appearing on resale sites at prices in excess of $1,000. The singer's frustration with Ticketmaster is evident, but her message to fans is clear: they have the power to demand better and should not be priced out of live music.
In a statement, Dean emphasized the importance of fairness and accessibility in ticketing, urging artists, fans, and industry leaders to do "better".
! I mean, who can blame her? I tried to get tickets for a concert last year and I ended up paying way too much because of those resale sites. It's just not fair to the fans, you know? 
. The UK government's plans to make it illegal to resell tickets above face value are a great start, and I hope other countries follow suit too 
.
. We just need to stand together and support each other when we're being ripped off 
. It's time for ticketing companies to put the fans first, not just make a quick buck 
.
Dean's right, it's all about fairness and accessibility - live music should be for everyone, not just the lucky ones who can afford it.
. It's about time we saw some real leadership from the industry leaders. And yeah, let's get that UK government to step up their game too 
! We need stricter regulation on ticket resale prices, for sure.
. The girl just spoke truth to power and told her fans not to take the bait 
. She's all about promoting a positive vibe and reminding us that we have the power to demand better. I'm totally here for that 
[Tout's life]
2025 is gonna be a wild ride 
for touts... or so we hope 
#ticketmasterfail #fair pricing
Ticketmaster finally doing something about their shady practices is good news 
. I can totally feel for Olivia Dean, she's right to be frustrated - who wouldn't be when they see tickets being resold at prices that are basically just highway robbery? 
. We're talking about people who are willing to pay thousands of dollars just to have the chance to experience something they love... but what about the fans who can't afford those prices in the first place? shouldn't we be fighting for a more equal game? 
.
just when you think concert tickets are already super expensive, now touts can relist them for way more than face value on Ticketmaster lol what a joke 
Dean's right though, it's vile and not cool that artists have to deal with this crap. and now they're refunding fans who got scammed? good move, I guess 
but seriously, why is this still happening in 2025?