Taylor Swift’s highly anticipated “Eras” tour is set to arrive in Germany next year, with shows planned in Gelsenkirchen, Hamburg, and Munich in July 2024. Social media has been buzzing with excitement as ticket sales for the pop star’s concerts have recently started. However, the chances of seeing Taylor Swift live are slim for fans who had to register for advance sales by June 23. Only those who received an access code through the selection process can now attempt to purchase the coveted tickets, which come with a hefty price tag.
– The virtual queue for Swift’s concert in Munich had more than a million people waiting, according to a complaint on Twitter.
– Some users have reported constant error messages with the access code provided by ticket seller CTS Eventim.
– VIP tickets, priced between 410 and 625 euros, are the only option available, with no tickets below 100 euros.
– To have the opportunity to buy a ticket, interested individuals must apply in general. Eventim only provides the platform, and the ticket allocation system is determined by the organizer or artist management.
– In France, over a million Swift fans lined up online at local provider Ticketmaster, causing the website to crash and sales to be interrupted.
– In the US, Ticketmaster’s new pricing system, based on demand and influenced by factors like algorithms, has drawn criticism from potential concert-goers.
– The UK has also seen skyrocketing ticket prices for artists like Harry Styles and Coldplay due to real-time, demand-oriented price adjustments.
– Politicians are taking action against price gouging, with MEPs Lara Wolters and René Repasi calling on the EU Commission to examine whether consumer protection regulations or antitrust laws could be applied to dynamic pricing.
– The lawmakers emphasize the need for price caps, a ban on the new pricing approach, or increased transparency from companies.
– US federal and state agencies are already investigating Ticketmaster’s perceived abuse of power as the dominant ticket seller.
– Algorithm-driven pricing, while legitimate, may disadvantage certain consumer groups and hinder social participation. Consumer protection concerns arise particularly in online retail pricing.
The letter penned by MEPs Wolters and Repasi, along with other signatories, will be sent to EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders soon. The aim is to address the detrimental effects of dynamic pricing on live music and its fans. As the industry continues to evolve, finding a balance between fair pricing and accessibility for all remains a challenge.
