Olivia Dean Blasts Ticketmaster Over “Vile” Resale Prices for Sold-Out Tour

Singer Olivia Dean has publicly condemned Ticketmaster and AEG. Her criticism targets the exorbitant resale prices for her upcoming The Art of Loving Live Tour. Fans were met with tickets being resold for hundreds of dollars above face value just hours after the general sale began.

The British artist expressed her frustration directly to her fans on social media. She called the service provided by the ticketing giants “disgusting” and against her team’s wishes. This incident highlights the ongoing tension in the live event industry over ticket accessibility.

Artists and Fans Push Back Against Inflated Resale Markets

Dean’s sold-out tour includes major venues like Madison Square Garden. Screenshots shared online showed tickets originally priced around $140 being resold for over $500. According to Billboard, this rapid markup occurred almost instantly after tickets went on sale.

In response to the backlash, AEG and its ticketing arm AXS disabled the resale function for Dean’s shows. A source confirmed the move was made after the issue was identified. This action demonstrates the power artists can wield when they speak out.

A Broader Industry Battle Over Fair Ticketing

Dean’s comments arrive during a significant period for live event policy. In the United States, Live Nation faces legal challenges from the Department of Justice. The lawsuits allege anti-competitive practices in the ticketing market.

Other artists have taken similar stands. Hayley Williams and Chappell Roan have previously implemented face-value-only exchanges for their tours. Their goal is to prevent scalping and keep tickets affordable for genuine fans.

Internationally, the United Kingdom recently announced plans to outlaw ticket resale above face value. Both Ticketmaster and AXS have voiced support for this legislative change. This global shift indicates a growing consensus for fan-first ticketing reforms.

The ongoing conflict between artists, fans, and ticketing platforms shows no sign of abating. Olivia Dean’s vocal stance adds significant weight to the call for a fairer system. The future of live music accessibility may depend on such continued pressure.

Thought you’d like to know

What did Olivia Dean say about Ticketmaster?

She called their resale service “disgusting” and “vile.” Dean stated the high prices were completely against her team’s wishes. She emphasized that live music should be affordable for all fans.

What happened after Olivia Dean complained?

AEG and AXS turned off the resale option for her shows. This action was taken after her public comments gained traction. It shows a direct response to artist and fan pressure.

Are other artists fighting high resale prices?

Yes, artists like Hayley Williams use face-value-only exchanges. Chappell Roan has also employed similar technology with AXS. Their efforts aim to cut out scalpers and protect fans.

Is the government involved in ticketing issues?

The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Live Nation. The suit alleges the company holds a monopoly over the live event industry. This legal action seeks to increase competition.

What is the new UK law for ticket resale?

The UK government plans to outlaw reselling tickets above their original face value. Major ticketing companies have supported this proposed legislation. The goal is to prevent exploitative resale practices.