Dynamic Pricing - The UK competition regulator has launched an investigation into the sale of Oasis tickets, including the use of "dynamic pricing". The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is investigating whether ticket-selling platform Ticketmaster breached consumer protection law. Dynamic pricing meant that, on Ticketmaster, where tickets to the reunion tour were originally sold, prices rose in line with demand.
The investigation will examine whether: Ticketmaster engaged in unfair commercial practices; buyers were given clear information to explain that the tickets could be subject to price rises; people were put under pressure to buy tickets within a short period of time. The CMA's probe follows widespread criticism of dynamic pricing over the past week from Oasis fans.
Many said they ended up paying significantly more than they expected for tickets to the band's tour next year – up to £350 per ticket, around £200 more than had been advertised. The band also hit out at the system, saying: "It needs to be made clear that Oasis leave decisions on ticketing and pricing entirely to their promoters and management." The independent CMA said it was at the "initial stage of its investigation".
Game-changing - A set of industry-wide standards to help venues improve experiences for disabled audience members are to be developed, described as a "game-changing" initiative for the sector. The standards will be rolled out by Arts Council England, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Arts Council of Wales and Creative Scotland as part of the organisations’ joint access scheme, All In.
Disability-led charity Attitude is Everything has now been appointed as the standards supplier for the scheme, which will build on the success of Hynt – used in Wales for the past decade – and anticipates having a membership card for disabled people, making it easier for them to book tickets. All In will cover areas such as content warnings, appropriate use of language and physical access.
As part of this, Attitude is Everything will be responsible for developing a set of sector-wide standards for theatres, galleries, museums, libraries and other creative organisations that sign up for the scheme.
Clueless - Clueless the Musical is to arrive in the West End early next year, with a score by Scottish singer-songwriter KT Tunstall. Based on the 1995 film by writer and director Amy Heckerling, the musical is to play London’s Trafalgar Theatre from 15 February, under the direction of Rachel Kavanaugh.
Super Bowl - Rapper Kendrick Lamar will headline the Super Bowl half-time show, the National Football League and Apple Music has announced. It will be the second time the Grammy and Pulitzer Prize-winning artist will perform in one of the most coveted events in music – but will be the first time he is the main act.
"Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date. And I'll be there to remind the world why," Lamar said in a statement. "They got the right one."
"Time and time again, Kendrick has proven his unique ability to craft moments that resonate, redefine, and ultimately shake the very foundation of hip-hop," said NFL's head of music Seth Dudowsky in a statement. The Super Bowl will be held on 9 February in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Farewell - Bass guitarist Herbie Flowers, who worked with the likes of David Bowie, Paul McCartney and Sir Elton John, has died aged 86. Flowers played bass in pop group Blue Mink and rock band T. Rex and is thought to have contributed to more than 500 hit albums by the end of the 1970s. He was credited with creating the famous bassline in Lou Reed's Walk on the Wild Side from his 1972 album Transformer. His death was confirmed by close family members on Facebook on Saturday. Tributes from family and friends said Flowers was a "beautiful soul" and his musical contributions had touched many lives. RIP.
(Jim Evans)
