Singer-songwriter Olivia Dean has successfully won partial refunds for fans after publicly criticising major ticketing platforms Ticketmaster and AXS over inflated resale prices for her North American tour.
The breakthrough came after some concert tickets were listed for as much as 14 times their original price, prompting Dean to describe the ticket resale market as “exploitative”, “unregulated” and fueled by inequality. In an open letter last week, the artist condemned the pricing practices as “disgusting and vile” and demanded companies “do better” to protect music lovers.
Ticketmaster Responds With Refunds and Resale Cap
Following her statement, Ticketmaster announced it would:
Refund fans for inflated resale markups already paid through Ticketmaster
Introduce capped resale prices for Olivia Dean’s upcoming tour
“We share Olivia’s desire to keep live music accessible and ensure fans have affordable access to tickets,” said Michael Rapino, CEO of Live Nation Entertainment. He added that while the company cannot control other marketplaces, Ticketmaster intends to lead by example.
Dean Calls for Industry-Wide Change
Dean — one of 2024’s biggest breakout stars with four simultaneous Top-20 UK chart hits — thanked fans and urged the music industry to ensure concerts remain accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford inflated resale prices.
In a statement, she emphasised:
“Every artist should be granted the option to cap resale at face value… The secondary ticket market is an exploitative and unregulated space.”
She added that live music is meant to be a safe and inclusive space, not a battleground driven by online ticket scalpers.
Growing Pressure for Ticketing Reform
Ticket resale controversy has grown across the entertainment industry. Earlier this year, the UK government announced plans to make it illegal to resell tickets above their face value, following an open letter signed by major artists including Coldplay and Dua Lipa.
Dean echoed those campaign messages, saying scalpers “steal from artists and steal from fans”, creating panic and inequality. She encouraged both performers and fans to challenge unfair systems:
“We are often made to feel we don’t have a choice… but it is always your right to say no.”
The singer said she felt “heard and understood” after the new policy shift, calling it “a good day” for musicians and concert-goers.