BookMyShow on Coldplay concert ticketing issue: We ensured every fan a fair chance

BookMyShow addresses concerns over the black market sale of Coldplay tickets, clarifying its fair ticketing measures. It also stated that it has no association with any unauthorised ticket-selling platforms.

In Short

• Mumbai Police summoned BookMyShow CEO over black market ticket sales
• The company issued a statement and said it opposes unauthorised ticket sales
• Coldplay will perform in Mumbai on January 18, 19, and 21, 2025

After Mumbai Police summoned the CEO and a senior team member of the ticket booking platform BookMyShow in connection with the alleged black market sale of tickets for the upcoming Coldplay concert in Mumbai, BookMyShow has issued a statement clarifying its position and actions taken to ensure a fair ticketing process.

On September 22, the ticket sale for the highly anticipated concert saw a staggering 13 million fans logged in to the ticket booking platform. A spokesperson for BookMyShow stated, “At BookMyShow, we’ve worked hard to ensure every fan had a fair chance to secure tickets,” emphasising the company’s efforts to limit purchases to four tickets per user and provide clear booking guidelines.

To manage the overwhelming demand, BookMyShow implemented a queueing system, which caused a brief delay but aimed to minimise disruption for genuine fans. The spokesperson noted that due to the unprecedented interest, a third show in Mumbai was added, which also received an enthusiastic response from fans.

However, the company has expressed concern over unauthorised ticket sales. “It came to our notice that unauthorized platforms listed (and are continuing to list) tickets for Coldplay's concert, both before and after the official sale,” the spokesperson said. BookMyShow clarified that it has no association with any unauthorised ticket-selling platforms, including Viagogo and Gigsberg, and strongly opposes ticket scalping and black marketing.

“Scalping and black marketing of tickets is strictly condemned and punishable by law in India, and BookMyShow vehemently opposes this practice. We have not only filed a complaint with the police authorities but are also proactively working with them to provide complete support in the investigation of this matter in any manner that may be required,” the statement read.

The spokesperson urged consumers to be cautious, reiterating that tickets purchased from unauthorised sources come with significant risks and may be invalid or fake.

Coldplay, the British pop band, is coming to India after eight years and is scheduled to perform in Mumbai on January 18, 19, and 21, 2025, as part of its Music of the Spheres World Tour.

The tickets were originally priced between Rs 2,500 and Rs 35,000. However, reseller tickets were offered for Rs 35,000 to Rs 3 lakh, and even higher, on platforms like Viagogo.