Coldplay fans' anger at Exeter ticket sales
MUSIC fans are continuing to bid hundreds of pounds for tickets to Coldplay’s charity homecoming concert.
Twelve ticket holders have now put their tickets up for sale via the internet auction site ebay and are asking for as much as £1,000 a pair to anyone who wants to buy them.
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Coldplay's Chris Martin
Visitors to the auction site are bidding as much as £510 for a pair of tickets — more than five times the original price.
And the actions of the touts have angered scores of people who missed out on the chance of buying tickets.
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Organisers of the concert have also said they are disappointed the tickets are being sold for profit.
Ebay said it had a policy with charity gigs to donate at least 20 per cent of profits if tickets were resold in this way. However, a spokesman said Mencap had not alerted it to this particular event so it was not able to put the policy in place on the sales. As a result, none of the profit made by the sellers looks set to benefit Mencap.
A spokesman for the event said: “It is very disappointing.
“The reason we do these gigs is that Mencap desperately needs funds and the money we raise goes directly to the people Mencap supports.”
Just 500 tickets were available for the charity gig at Exeter Castle on Saturday, December 19.
Chris Martin and his band will be joined during the evening by singers Lily Allen and La Roux. Radio One DJ Jo Whiley has helped organise the event.
Those who missed out on buying tickets have voiced their anger on the Echo’s website.
Karen, from Plymouth, said: “In my opinion it is not fine to make hundreds and hundreds of pounds out of a charity — in the season of goodwill. I hope HMV have the sense to cancel all tickets and put them up for resale to genuine fans.”
Becky, from Exeter, said: “I am really disappointed with those selling their tickets on ebay. I think those tickets up for sale on ebay should be cancelled and resold to those who would really like to enjoy the concert.”
David, from Exeter, said: “In the first place, the self-print tickets have the holder’s name printed on them.
“They say ID checks may be implemented.
“If they really want to stamp out this sort of profiteering they should put out a statement that there will be such checks right now.”
But Tony, from Exeter, disagreed. He said: “The charity sold all tickets available and therefore could not have made any more money. What would you say if I sold two tickets on ebay for £1,000 and gave half of it to back to Mencap, would you criticise me?”
A spokesman for ebay said: “We work with thousands of charities and are delighted to support them but we cannot be held accountable if we are not told about it or approached about it by Mencap.”
Comments
by DK, Drewsteignton
Tuesday, December 15 2009, 11:09PM
“I think it is ridiculous that they are allowed to tout tickets like this. As has been said, names on tickets and photo I.D on the door would have solved the problem. Would have loved to have gone, but touts buying up tickets like this meant they had sold out. I can't believe Radio 1, the Venue, HMV or even Coldplay didn't see this coming. I feel let down, they finally come home and we have to miss out for touts and ridiculous people who will pay the money. Should have been for locals only. "Home coming gig my a**e.”
by Ed, Honiton
Tuesday, December 15 2009, 10:34AM
“i see no problem. people who really want too see them will, and if they cant afford it, then so what, go to another coldplay gig.”
by Paul, Exeter
Tuesday, December 15 2009, 12:13AM
“I may be an Old Git, but I can not understand anyone paying £1400 (as advertised on e-bay) for a pair of tickets to a concert - any concert. Some people clearly have too much money for their own good. Or perhaps they will be bought by an MP and the money reclaimed as "hospitality expenses"”
by David, Topsham
Monday, December 14 2009, 8:58PM
“I like Tony's comment in this article as well, about giving half of the profits to mencap.
Yeah Tony, it's nice to have theories, but none of them on Ebay are doing it for that amount though, and even then it's very few.”
by David, Topsham
Monday, December 14 2009, 8:55PM
“Well! Let's all buy things we can't afford and get ourselves into debt, and then profit from charities!
Reasons like that for making money are the reasons why this country's in a recession!”
by SKoM, Cullompton
Monday, December 14 2009, 8:41PM
“Wharever the reason - it's still money-grabbbing Kelly.
Unfotuntely ebay's rules state that they must be notified of the charity event well in advance of the date of the event for it to qualify for the 20%. This seems to have been arranged fairly quickly so I seriously doubt that they managed that.”
by brin, Exeter
Monday, December 14 2009, 6:37PM
“Ac, do I appreciate the love, what sex are you? I aint sure! and I dont do drivel mate. Just word from the common man. Something you and your comtemparies may have problems with, pull me up on my points dont dismiss them. I have a point and I chuck it in your face. I may not be the most "FWK" ish in my comments, but hey, wouldnt it be boring if I was? Please lets never get into one of those pedantic, long drawn out tit for tats that often ungrace these boards. It makes me happy that you obviously dont agree with many of my finer points. But dont worry I shall keep em coming. Especially if you come to your conclusion that I am full of crap. Better off out than in, as a well respected ex-local counciller used to say! Have a good evening Ac.”
by Ac, Exeter
Monday, December 14 2009, 5:33PM
“I love you Brin. That's the first sensible thing you've actually said. Keep 'em coming, unlike your usual drivel. :)”
by brin, Exeter
Monday, December 14 2009, 5:24PM
“Cant believe Kelly Woodgate! So what if your mates going to spend the profit on her debts. You should be ashamed of yourself. We all have debts, but I am sure there are few of us who would be willing to make money from a charity. What nice friends you have. And I am judging. Most definitley.”
by S, Devon
Monday, December 14 2009, 5:11PM
“The profits should go to the Charity involved Kelly, not the pocket. No matter what the excuse.”