Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber has spoken out against dynamic pricing, saying it is “completely wrong,” especially after fans complained about ticket prices for the Oasis comeback tour. Recently, ticket prices for next year’s concerts on Ticketmaster more than doubled, which led the government and the UK’s competition watchdog to look into this pricing practice. Dynamic pricing changes prices based on demand, similar to how airline and hotel tickets are sold, but there’s definitely a difference in ticket pricing for Oasis and The Cure.
In an interview with The Sunday Times, Lloyd Webber said theaters should not try to raise prices and should keep ticket prices affordable. He described dynamic pricing as “racketeering.”
Known for famous musicals like The Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Lloyd Webber also mentioned the need for more funding for the arts. He believes that investing in music education can help children succeed and reduce issues like crime and drug use.
Lloyd Webber has previously supported the Music in Secondary Schools Trust, which aims to give students access to classical music education. This program ensures that every child can learn a classical instrument and join musical activities.
After facing personal challenges, including the recent death of his son Nicholas, Lloyd Webber wants to focus on his creative work again. He plans to step back from business matters and work on a new musical based on a film, which he is creating with writer Chris Terrio, known for the Oscar-winning movie Argo.
