Andrew Lloyd Webber condemns dynamic pricing for show tickets as ‘racketeering’ – amid backlash over high amounts paid by fans for Oasis concerts

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As an ardent fan of Andrew Lloyd Webber‘s illustrious career and profound contributions to the world of music and theatre, I wholeheartedly echo his sentiments against dynamic pricing. The audacity of such practices, reminiscent of old-fashioned racketeering, is not only unjust but also undermines the very essence of accessibility that our beloved arts should uphold.

The composer, Andrew Lloyd Webber, criticized the practice of dynamic pricing for theater tickets, labeling it ‘extortion’ following the public uproar over ticket prices for Oasis concerts.

Many enthusiasts of the rock band were taken aback when ticket prices for the reunion tour on Ticketmaster significantly increased by over double in the past month. This sudden increase has led both the government and the UK’s antitrust authority to promise an investigation into the application of dynamic pricing.

Price adjustments according to demand can be likened to how airlines set their ticket prices or hotels offer their room rates.

Regarding the possibility of using dynamic pricing for theatre ticket sales, Lord Lloyd-Webber expressed his viewpoint to The Sunday Times magazine: “I believe that theatres should not aim to artificially inflate prices.

‘You need to break even, but I don’t like making theatre inaccessible.

‘Dynamic pricing is racketeering, really – it’s completely wrong.’

The art producer, renowned for successful shows like The Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, expressed disapproval over inadequate financial support for artistic endeavors.

‘People just don’t realise the value of the arts,’ he said.

“I’m not advocating that all British children become musicians, but rather that learning music can help them excel in various aspects of their lives.

I strongly feel that investing a penny into music education in schools could potentially reduce the amount spent on law enforcement costs associated with violent crimes like knife crime, drug abuse, and behavioral problems.

Previously, Lord Lloyd-Webber has advocated for the government to implement the Music in Secondary Schools Trust program, designed to bring classical music within reach of students in all secondary schools.

The trust was founded with financial support from both the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation and the Charles Wolfson Trust. It guarantees that each child entering secondary school has the opportunity to learn a classical musical instrument, along with instructional resources and chances for performances.

Following a period of advocacy for multiple projects and overcoming personal hurdles, the seasoned theater artist plans to refocus his efforts towards his artistic endeavors once again.

Last year his son Nicholas, a composer and record producer, died aged 43.

Lord Lloyd-Webber said: ‘When my son died, obviously that was one of those…

As a lifestyle guide, allow me to express this in a personal way: “Indeed, he managed to transform his own journey – an accomplishment in itself. However, I found myself immersed in activities, truth be told, that didn’t truly align with my authentic self.

Instead, he’s chosen to step back from managing the business aspects and is now concentrating on his creative pursuits once more.

Based on reports from The Sunday Times, his forthcoming venture involves a fresh musical collaboration with writer Chris Terrio, who gained acclaim for penning the screenplay of the Academy Award-winning film “Argo” in 2012. Together, they are developing this project.

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2024-09-30 05:18