Venuesbackclampdown on ticket resale ‘madness’
GLASGOW’S music venues have spoken out against the resale of concert tickets following the launch of an online petition.
Barrowland Ballroom and the SSE Hydro have joined the fight to stop the resale of concert tickets at inflated prices on secondary websites.
More than 40,000 people from around the UK have signed an online petition calling for the law to be changed regarding the issue.
Glasgow’s Barrowland Ballroom urged those who support the venue to sign the petition and called for an end to the “madness”.
The petition comes after Scottish fans of singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran were left disappointed after tickets for his Glasgow shows sold out in minutes.
Many were forced to turn to secondary website where single tickets are being sold for between £400 and £1000.
A spokeswoman for the SEC campus, which includes the Armadillo, SECC and the Hydro, said: “We firmly believe that true fans should get fair access to tickets at reasonable prices when they first go on sale so it sits uncomfortably with us knowing that some customers are faced with the prospect of ticket prices that are overinflated by professional touts taking advantage of the market.
“Our partnership with Ticketmaster recognises the need to give customers an informed choice and opportunity to purchase tickets in a safe, and transparent way when the primary supply is no longer an option.
“GET ME IN! is a secure resale marketplace where the ticket seller sets the price and other fans can choose whether or not they wish to purchase, safe in the knowledge that the tickets are guaranteed.”
The campaign has also been supported by those working in the Glasgow’s music scene.
Richy Muirhead, founder of the Scottish Alternative Music Awards, said: “I think there is al- ways a concern and worry around ticket touting for large scale events.
“The matter doesn’t sit well with me, I think its important the artist’s audience have the opportunity to attend, without paying over the top fees.
“There is an existing law that applies to sporting events, so why not music? Hopefully things will change in the future.”
Ahead of their Glasgow show later this year, rock heavyweights Iron Maiden have announced that they will be operating paperless ticketing.
This will mean that whoever bought the ticket is required to present their debit or credit card and photographic ID at the point of entry with their guests.