Fans eager to see Harry Styles perform in Manchester faced disappointment this week after Ticketmaster cancelled a batch of newly released £20 tickets. The tickets, which appeared online on Friday night, were quickly voided amid fears that touts had snapped them up.
What Happened
Ticketmaster explained that the tickets were mistakenly released during an inventory update. The company said its anti-touting programme flagged suspicious purchases, leading to the cancellation. “We suspect many were touts who violated the rules of the sale,” a spokesperson said.
The agency apologised to fans who may have been affected and urged anyone who believed they were misidentified to contact customer support. Ticketmaster promised to review inquiries and resolve them as quickly as possible.
Impact on Fans
The cancellation sparked frustration among fans who had hoped to secure affordable seats for Styles’ upcoming show. The £20 tickets were part of a limited initiative designed to give more fans access to the concert at a lower price point. Instead, many were left disappointed, with some questioning whether genuine buyers had been unfairly caught up in the crackdown.
The Concert and Album Release
Harry Styles is scheduled to perform at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena on March 6, the same day his new album Kiss All The Time, Disco Occasionally will be released. The concert is expected to be one of the biggest events of the year, drawing thousands of fans to the UK’s newest arena.
The Bigger Picture
Ticket touting has long been a problem in the live music industry. Automated bots and resellers often buy tickets in bulk, driving up prices and leaving genuine fans struggling to attend shows. Artists and ticketing companies have introduced measures to combat the issue, but challenges remain.
For Styles, the cancellation highlights the ongoing battle between fans and resellers. While Ticketmaster’s programme aims to protect buyers, the incident shows how complex the fight against touting has become.
Looking Ahead
Despite the setback, anticipation for Styles’ Manchester show remains high. With his new album dropping the same day, the concert promises to be a landmark moment in his career. Fans will be hoping that future ticket releases are handled more smoothly, ensuring that affordable seats reach the people who truly want them.
