The Struggle for Accessible Seats at Oasis Concerts
Fans with disabilities have long faced challenges when attending major events, and the recent Oasis reunion tour has brought these issues to the forefront. For many, the experience of watching a beloved band live is overshadowed by the frustration of being unable to access the seating areas reserved for those with special needs. This issue has sparked outrage among fans who believe that resellers are exploiting the system, making it harder for genuine disabled attendees to enjoy the event.
Mark Chapman, a 32-year-old Oasis fan from Wilmslow in Cheshire, shared his distress after witnessing what he described as a “biblical” scene at Manchester’s Heaton Park. Mark, who has been unable to walk since the age of nine due to Duchenne muscular dystrophy, was among the few who managed to secure tickets for the accessible area. However, he was shocked to see other fans in wheelchairs and using crutches stand up during the performance.
According to reports, some of these individuals had likely purchased tickets from resellers rather than booking through official channels. Accessible area tickets were reportedly sold on secondary platforms like Viagogo for £634 each, despite being available free of charge when booked officially. This practice has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the ticketing process and the exploitation of vulnerable groups.
Mark explained that he had to buy standard tickets for himself and his carer, Sam Priest, because he couldn’t get access to the designated area. After contacting the organizers, he was able to get a refund for Sam’s ticket. However, he still had to join a waiting list to enter the accessible section on the day of the event.
The situation was not unique to Mark. Another fan, Daniel Tester, who uses a wheelchair due to cerebral palsy, was held aloft by fellow fans during the concert after his sister was unable to secure accessible seating. Despite this, Daniel still described the experience as life-changing.
The problem extends beyond individual cases. Many disabled fans have reported being unable to get tickets at all, while others claim that non-disabled fans were seen abandoning their wheelchairs and crutches during the show. Mark criticized the behavior, calling it “appalling” and likening it to “abuse.”
This issue is not isolated to the Oasis tour. Ticket reselling has become a widespread problem, with some tickets being sold for thousands of pounds. In response, Ticketmaster has vowed to cancel thousands of resale tickets that it believes were obtained illegally. However, the problem persists, with some fans resorting to extreme measures, such as climbing fences or disguising themselves as litter pickers, to gain entry.
The UK government is currently considering ways to address the issue of professional touting, following a consultation earlier this year. Companies like Viagogo, Ticketmaster, and Live Nation have been approached for comment, but no official response has been given yet.
As the Oasis tour continues through July and August in the UK and Ireland, and later in North America, the question remains: how can event organizers ensure that disabled fans have fair access to the seating areas they need? For now, many are left wondering if the magic of a live concert is truly accessible to everyone.
