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The burgeoning concert culture in India, fueled by the demand for international artists like Coldplay and Dua Lipa, as well as homegrown stars like Diljit Dosanjh, Karan Aujla, and AP Dhillon, is facing a significant challenge: rampant ticket scalping. This practice, where individuals buy tickets in bulk and resell them at inflated prices, has led to skyrocketing ticket costs and widespread frustration among fans. The recent surge in prices for Coldplay tickets, along with questions surrounding Diljit Dosanjh's concert pricing, has brought the issue to the forefront.
In an exclusive interview with India Today Digital, acclaimed musician Salim Merchant expressed his deep concern over the situation. While acknowledging the positive growth of the concert culture in India, which he believes has been long overdue, he pointed out that scalping is a global issue requiring immediate attention. He strongly advocated for the government's intervention to ban resale ticket sites as a means to combat this problem.
Merchant believes that the government taking a firm stance against resale sites is crucial in curbing this practice. He argues that allowing these sites to operate fosters an environment where scalping thrives, leading to exorbitant ticket prices that make concerts inaccessible to genuine fans. He urges the government to adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards resale sites, highlighting that this would be a significant step towards ensuring that concerts remain affordable and accessible to all.
The issue of ticket scalping has taken center stage as concerts in India are witnessing an unprecedented surge in demand. The recent sale of Coldplay tickets on BookMyShow demonstrates the intensity of this demand, with tickets selling out within minutes. This has led to a situation where many fans find themselves unable to secure tickets due to the rapid depletion of inventory. In response to the subsequent price surge, officials summoned BookMyShow, which clarified that only tickets purchased on their site are valid. They emphasized that Viagogo, a well-known ticket resale platform, is not affiliated with BookMyShow.
As the concert landscape in India continues to evolve, the debate over ticket scalping is likely to intensify. The call for a ban on resale ticket sites, made by musicians like Salim Merchant, reflects the growing concern over the accessibility and affordability of concert experiences for fans. The government's response to this issue will have a significant impact on the future of the Indian concert industry, shaping how fans engage with their favorite artists and experience live performances.
Source: Salim Merchant urges ban on resale ticket sites as concert demand soars in India