UK fans desperate to see The Weeknd's highly anticipated 'After Hours Til Dawn' tour at Wembley Stadium this August are being issued a stark warning: buying tickets from controversial resale site Viagogo could leave you stranded outside the venue.
The massive show on Friday, 18th August, is officially sold out, creating a frenzy on secondary markets. However, a critical alert has been raised by consumer advocates and the industry itself regarding the validity of tickets purchased through Viagogo.
Strict Policy Leaves Buyers Vulnerable
Official ticketing partners for the event, including AXS and Ticketmaster, have implemented a stringent policy to combat touting. Many tickets are digital and non-transferable, meaning they are locked to the original purchaser's mobile device and account. This measure is designed to prevent profiteering but creates a minefield for those buying second-hand.
Viagogo, a global online marketplace, allows users to resell tickets. The grave risk for buyers is that these mobile tickets cannot be legally or technically transferred. Consequently, hundreds of fans who purchase through the site may find their tickets are invalidated at the gates, with no recourse for a refund.
A History of Problems
This is not an isolated incident. Viagogo has a long and troubled history in the UK, facing scrutiny from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and countless complaints from disappointed fans who have been turned away from events. The platform often operates in a legal grey area, leaving consumers with little protection.
While Viagogo's website states that tickets for the event are "100% guaranteed," this guarantee typically only covers a refund of the purchase price if entry is denied. It does not compensate for travel costs, accommodation, or the immense disappointment of missing the event.
Official Advice for Fans
Experts and official bodies advise fans to take the following steps:
- Avoid Viagogo: Steer clear of purchasing from the site due to the high risk of ticket invalidation.
- Use Official Resale Platforms: If you must buy resale, only use the official fan-to-fan resale platforms provided by AXS or Ticketmaster. These ensure the ticket is safely reassigned to the new buyer.
- Exercise Extreme Caution: If a deal on another site seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is.
- Report Issues: Consumers who encounter problems should report them to the CMA or National Trading Standards.
For those still hoping to secure a seat, patience and vigilance on official channels remain the only safe bet to witness The Weeknd's spectacular Wembley performance.
