2023

New Survey Reveals Concert Ticket Scams Tricked 60% of Londoners

The issue of concert ticket sales is causing frustration not only among Taylor Swift fans but also among music lovers in general. Recent incidents of scams and technical problems during ticket purchases have prompted calls for increased oversight of the industry.

According to a survey conducted by “ethical resale” platform TicketSwap, around 59 percent of Londoners have either fallen victim to ticketing fraud or have personal connections to someone who has experienced it. In addition, nearly half of the respondents from the surrounding areas have also been impacted by ticket scams, as they often travel to London for big concerts.

Interestingly, Londoners have reported losing more money due to fraudulent tickets compared to people from other parts of the UK, with 21.4 percent losing between £100 to £149. Consequently, more than three-quarters of respondents from the capital believe that ticket resale prices should be limited, and two-thirds of them have been discouraged from buying second-hand tickets altogether.

These findings have emerged in the wake of a major ticketing debacle that could potentially lead to significant changes in the industry. In January, Ticketmaster had to apologize to Taylor Swift fans as their system crashed under the overwhelming demand for tickets to the singer’s 2023 Eras Tour. The company attributed the glitch to the use of illegal software bots to acquire tickets.

Since its merger with Live Nation in 2010, Ticketmaster has been widely regarded as having a monopoly over ticketing for live music events. US politicians, such as Senator Amy Klobuchar and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have criticized the company’s market dominance.

Nevertheless, ticket scalpers continue to exploit fans by using bots to bulk-purchase tickets, and then reselling them at exorbitant prices on secondary platforms. Tickets for Madonna’s Celebration tour, for example, were being sold for over £2,000 on some platforms, while a ticket for Beyoncé’s Renaissance World tour was listed for more than £4,000. It is worth noting that using bots to buy large quantities of tickets is illegal in the UK.

The survey in question was conducted by TicketSwap, a company based in Amsterdam that recently expanded into the UK market. It adheres to Dutch law, which limits ticket resale prices to 20 percent above their retail value. Other countries, such as Ireland and France, have even banned the practice of selling tickets above face value. The survey included 2,000 respondents, with 260 based in London and 259 from the South East.

Experts advise fans to exercise caution when purchasing tickets from secondary websites. Karen Worstell, a senior cyber-security strategist at VMware, suggests being particularly vigilant with ticket sites and unfamiliar services. It is crucial to ensure the presence of up-to-date computer firewall settings and advanced threat protection, both on personal devices and company computers.

Your Guide to a Safe Concert Experience

Watching live music is an incredibly exciting and enjoyable experience for many of us. It allows us to see our favorite artists up close and personal, and the music becomes the soundtrack to our lives. However, sometimes things don’t go according to plan. In recent years, there have been terrorist attacks at events like Ariana Grande’s concert in Manchester, which have threatened the safe and carefree atmosphere that live gigs used to have. Despite these incidents, music fans are not deterred from attending live events. In fact, in 2018, the live entertainment industry in the UK reached a record high of £17 billion, according to The Guardian.

Although attending live events is still just as exciting as before, we now approach them with a bit more caution. So, how can you ensure that you have the best time while also being mindful of potential risks? Here is a guide from Miss Vogue:

Firstly, it’s important to designate a meeting place in case you and your friends get separated. This is an age-old trick that still holds up today. Phones can die or lose service, making it difficult to stay in touch. Having a pre-determined meeting place solves this problem. Just make sure it’s something that won’t move, like an entrance gate or a specific landmark.

Next, consider the type of bag you bring to the event. Large backpacks or suitcases are often prohibited by security partners at venues and festivals. While they may be fine at the campsites, you’ll likely encounter stricter security checks when entering the official event site. To speed up the process, opt for a small cross-body bag that can hold your essentials without violating any rules.

Always stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Despite the increased security measures at events, there is still a possibility that things can slip through the cracks. Make sure to never leave your belongings unattended and keep your personal items with you at all times. This includes keeping a close eye on your drink to prevent someone from tampering with it.

Staying hydrated and energized is crucial. Remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day, not just alcoholic beverages. You’ve invested time and money into attending the event, so you want to make the most of it. Try to stick to your regular eating routine by having a proper breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you require medication, ensure that you have it with you.

Take care of your mental health while attending live events. The loud music, crowded spaces, and intense heat can be overwhelming for anyone, especially those with existing mental health concerns. If it becomes too much for you, find a calm space outside of the main event area. Let your friends know that you need to take a break and seek out a quieter area. There are usually stewards available who can direct you to medical professionals if needed. It’s important to prioritize your own well-being and set boundaries for yourself.

Lastly, be prepared for any emergencies. The UK counter-terrorism police advise the “Run, Hide, Tell” protocol in the highly unlikely event of an incident during the event. Act quickly and responsibly, and don’t let the uncertainty or indecisiveness of those around you affect your own choices. Being prepared and informed could potentially save your life and the lives of others.

While it’s important to remain cautious and aware of potential risks, it shouldn’t overshadow the excitement and enjoyment that live music brings. By following these tips and staying mindful of your surroundings, you can have a fantastic time at live events while ensuring your safety and well-being.

Witness the epic union of live music and drones in Muse’s latest concert film

A young digital marketing agency in Swindon has gained a strong reputation for its successful global Facebook ad campaigns in the film industry. Due to their proven track record, Trafalgar Releasing, a major player in the event film business, approached Tom Davenport, a Digital Marketing Specialist, two months ago. They entrusted him with the responsibility of handling a worldwide Facebook ad campaign for the renowned rock band Muse. The goal of the campaign was to promote Muse’s one-night-only concert on Thursday, July 12. Remarkably, the campaign has already surpassed expectations in terms of ticket sales.

The New York Times characterized the Muse live experience as an incredible buildup, with the band continuously reaching new peaks. The newspaper noted that seeing Muse on the big screen is a truly unforgettable fan experience. Titled “Drones Tour,” the concert film showcases the concert experience from 2015-2016 and features never-before-seen special effects.

During the concert, Muse performed “in-the-round,” offering attendees a 360-degree view of the stage. Alongside the band members, autonomous drones flew above the stage and interacted with the audience, while giant projections appeared on the screen. The film also includes exclusive insights from the band, making it a must-see for fans.

On July 12, thousands of people around the world will have the opportunity to enjoy the film simultaneously. The nearest screenings will take place in Swindon, Bath, Bristol, and Southampton.

Muse is a mainstream British hard rock band with over 16 million Facebook fans. Back in the early 2000s, they ruled the charts for several years. What makes this contract particularly extraordinary is that Trafalgar Releasing, a company of such stature in the music industry, typically relies on large media buyers in London to handle online advertising. However, Tom Davenport finds it surprising that they approached his Wiltshire-based company, as their strategies have consistently delivered exceptional results for the music business. He points out that their attention to detail and ongoing optimization sets them apart from big media buyers who simply set and forget their digital marketing campaigns. By responding to the audience’s feedback and building on what works, Tom and his team have achieved remarkable results for their clients.

For Tom, being involved in this campaign is especially gratifying. As a former Muse fan himself, he describes the opportunity to bring together so many fans for this unique global experience as thrilling.

When asked about why Trafalgar Releasing chose to work with his small company, Tom reveals that they previously collaborated on a campaign for Nick Cave and were delighted with the international ticket sales it generated. Unlike traditional advertising, which makes it challenging to measure return on investment, their approach focuses on instant measurability. This ensures that they can ascertain what drives ticket sales, determine the return they are providing for their clients, and target ads to reach more fans.

Tom firmly believes that social media advertising platforms are incredibly powerful tools. They allow for quick experimentation with different approaches, targeting refinement, and measuring audience response. By consistently achieving positive results through cost-effective strategies, Tom’s team has developed an intuitive approach that significantly benefits their clients.