Touts hike prices

Sites already asking three-times amount even before sell-out

Touts were last night offering tickets for Lionel Richie’s summer gig in Perth at almost three times the asking price – before they had even sold out.

Briefs were still on sale through official channels as online marketplaces Stubhub and Viagogo were asking music fans to cough up eye-watering sums for a chance to the see the All Night Long singer, pictured, at Mcdiarmid Park on June 3. Fans were told to purchase briefs from four approved websites — Ticketmaster, Gigantic, alt. tickets and AXS — after they went on general sale yesterday morning at 10am.

However, by the afternoon Stubhub was offering tickets for resale at £285 for row E in the AA6 section of the stadium, while Ticketmaster was asking for £99.75 for seats in neighbouring row G of the same section. The least expensive seats in this area on Stubhub last night were £162 .

Tickets for the AA6 area ranged from £283 to £165. AA3 tickets in row X were priced at £136 on Ticketmaster. However, on Viagogo they were going for £253 each.

The cheapest briefs on offer across all websites were £49.50.

SNP MP for Perth and North Perthshire Pete Wishart said he would continue to pressure the UK

“People don’t have the same cash to spend... if they have been ripped off for tickets in the first place.

PETE WISHART

Government “to stop tickets ending up on these legalised ticket touting sites”.

He added: “I am really disappointed to see tickets for the Lionel Richie gig in Perth at hugely inflated prices online, even before the gig has sold out.

“If fans are being forced into spending sums vastly higher than the actual ticket price, then it hugely impacts on the cultural economy.

“People don’t have the same cash to spend in bars, restaurants and hotels if they have been ripped off for tickets in the first place.”

Stubhub was approached for comment last night. Viagogo refused to give a statement when approached.

Marshall Arts, who are promoting Lionel Richie’s tour, said: “‘We advise fans to only purchase tickets directly from an approved ticket partner.”