Singer Olivia Dean has prompted Ticketmaster to take action against inflated resale ticket prices for her upcoming “The Art of Loving” tour, after criticizing the ticketing industry as “exploitative” and unfair to fans.

The Grammy-nominated artist raised alarm after some resale tickets for her North American tour were listed at more than 14 times their original price, with some exceeding $1,000 (£750). In response, Ticketmaster announced it will cap all future resale prices for Dean’s tour on its platform and refund fans who have already paid inflated prices.

Olivia Dean Calls Out the Secondary Ticket Market

Earlier this month, Dean described the resale ticket market as “disgusting” and “vile,” urging companies like Ticketmaster and AXS to “do better” in keeping live music accessible. On social media, she emphasized that the secondary ticket market is unregulated and exploitative, calling on the industry to protect fans and the wider community.

“Every artist and their team should be granted the option to cap resale at face value ahead of tickets going on sale,” she wrote on Instagram. “We have a responsibility to keep live music accessible for all. Thank you for your patience, and I’m looking forward to seeing all you real humans at the show.”

Dean’s statements come after overwhelming demand for her tour forced Ticketmaster and AXS websites to handle high traffic, with some fans reporting tickets quickly appeared on resale platforms at exorbitant prices.

Ticketmaster Responds

In a Thursday press release, Ticketmaster affirmed it shares Dean’s mission to make live music affordable. The company announced it will cap all future resale prices for the tour and refund fans for any markup already paid.

“We echo Olivia’s call to ‘do better’ and have taken steps to lead by example,” said Michael Rapino, CEO of Ticketmaster’s parent company, Live Nation Entertainment.

The company also highlighted its Face Value Exchange, which allows artists to cap resale prices before tickets go on sale. Fans who purchased resale tickets on Ticketmaster will receive refunds reflecting the difference between the resale price and the original ticket cost. Refunds are expected to be processed by December 10, though bank processing times may vary.

Support From the Music Community

Dean’s campaign against inflated ticket prices has received widespread support. Fellow artists, including Hayley Williams and Chappell Roan, have previously capped resale prices on their tours, and UK legislation is also moving to make it illegal to resell tickets above their face value.

The singer stressed that capping resale prices is not just a personal preference but a responsibility. “Touts steal from artists and they steal from fans. They create inequality and hysteria. Capping resale at face value is your right, and we have a duty to encourage a fair resale market,” she wrote.

Fans and music insiders praised Dean’s stand, noting her commitment to keeping concerts accessible even as her popularity surges. She is currently riding a wave of success with four simultaneous UK Top 20 hits and a nomination for Best New Artist at the 2026 Grammys.

Tour Details

Dean’s “The Art of Loving” tour kicks off in July in San Francisco and will include stops in Los Angeles, Denver, Boston, and New York City before concluding in Austin, Texas, in August. Ticket demand was so high that three additional nights were added at Madison Square Garden to accommodate fans.

FAQ

1. What is Olivia Dean’s main complaint?
She criticized the secondary ticket market for selling tickets at inflated prices, making live music inaccessible for fans.

2. How is Ticketmaster responding?
Ticketmaster will cap all future resale prices for Dean’s tour and refund fans who already paid above face value.

3. What is a Face Value Exchange?
It is a feature that allows artists to set a maximum resale price, ensuring tickets are not sold for more than the original cost.

4. When does Olivia Dean’s tour start?
The tour begins in July in San Francisco and concludes in August in Austin, Texas.

5. Why is this issue significant?
It highlights wider concerns about fairness and accessibility in the live music industry, prompting discussions about regulating resale markets.