Oasis fans face error messages, long online queues amid rush to secure reunion tickets

LONDON – Ticket sales for Oasis’ reunion tour got off to a slow start on Saturday as online platforms strained against demand from millions of fans.

The legendary Britpop-era band, led by brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher, will play 17 shows in Cardiff, Manchester, London, Edinburgh and Dublin from July 4 – their first shows in 15 years.

More than 1 million tickets are for sale, with most priced at less than $100.

Some people received error messages when trying to visit some authorised sales sites, including Ticketmaster and Gigs & Tours, while many others were told they were in a long queue.

Some people managed to buy tickets through a pre-sale lottery on Friday. Within hours, tickets were selling for up to $7,800 on a resale website.

Oasis issued a warning saying tickets could only be sold at face value through authorised sites.

“Tickets appearing on other secondary ticketing sites are either fake or will be cancelled by the promoters,” it said in a statement.

Oasis was one of the major British artists of the 1990s, scoring hits like “Wonderwall” and “Don’t Look Back in Anger.” Its sound was made even better by singalong rock choruses and the crackling chemistry between guitarist-songwriter Noel Gallagher and singer brother Liam.

Oasis split in 2009, when Noel Gallagher left the band after a row with his brother backstage at a festival near Paris.

The tour will kick off at the Principality Stadium on July 4 and 5. Oasis will also perform at Heaton Park in Manchester on July 11, 12, 16, 19 and 20; Wembley Stadium in London on July 25, 26 and 30 and August 2 and 3; Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh on August 8, 9 and 12; and Croke Park in Dublin on August 16 and 17.

Prices for the London, Cardiff and Edinburgh concerts range from about $97 to $260 for seats and about $200 for standing. In Manchester, the cheapest tickets are $195 for standing, with no seating option.

The most expensive option is a $666 package for the London events that includes a pre-show party, admission to the Oasis exhibition, souvenirs and a “premium collectible.”

Tickets for the Dublin show start at $96 plus booking fee.

Host cities are expected to receive an economic boost to hotels, bars, restaurants and shops – particularly Manchester, which is the band’s hometown and renowned for its musical heritage.

Sacha Lord, Manchester’s official nightlife economy adviser, said there was “huge buzz” in the city about the reunification.

“It’s like a homecoming event,” he said. “When they step across that stage for the first time, it’s going to be a really special moment.”