Clydebank stand-up Kevin Bridges has warned fans of 'bonkers' Viagogo ticket prices with touts targeting his latest tour.
The comedian expressed his disgust after tickets up for sale for six times the face value surfaced as he urged fans to shun the Viagogo briefs.
The Daily Record reports ticket scalpers are trying to sell them at a huge profit, despite them still being available on primary sites such as Ticketmaster. It has been found £25 tickets are being sold for £160 on Viagogo.
Bridges said: “Bonkers. Again, please don’t use these sites folks. Potentially some new dates coming over the week or so. Working on it. Only buy off the venue’s own sites and Ticketmaster.”
But Bridges has also come under fire for failing to take up strong measures to snuff out touting by demanding fans show ID to match their ticket.
The measure adopted by artists such as Ed Sheeran and Gerry Cinnamon has drastically reduced resale on sites like Viagogo.
One fan said: “Sorry Kevin but why allow it then? All that is needed is ID that matches the name on the ticket for entry. Simple, if you were that bothered you’d sort it.”
Adam Webb, of pressure group FanFair Alliance, said: “The great news for Kevin is there’s some pretty light touch measures that would help prevent his audiences being exploited by ticket touts – especially as his shows are all-seated.
“If they’re interested in taking some action on this issue, I’d definitely welcome his manager or promoter getting in touch, and I’d be very happy to advise.”
Ticketmaster’s terms and conditions state: “Any tickets resold through unauthorised resale platforms may be cancelled.”
Kevin’s UK-wide Overdue Catch-up Tour will call at Glasgow’s Ovo Hydro from September 1 to 25.
Ticketmaster, Kevin Bridges and Viagogo have been asked to comment.
