After a summer of concert chaos, changes are on the way – Consumer NZ

After a season marked by numerous concert cancellations, the music industry seems poised for change. Consumers like Hope, who purchased tickets for the Juicy Fest music festival, found themselves facing disappointment when the event was ultimately called off. Despite initial excitement for a promising lineup featuring artists like Ludacris and Omarion, the festival’s abrupt cancellation left attendees like Hope questioning their decision.

The refund process for cancelled events can often be a frustrating and time-consuming ordeal for consumers. Direct messages sent to Juicy Fest organizers yielded vague responses, leaving ticket holders like Hope feeling uncertain about the fate of their refunds. When Juicy Fest’s parent company went into liquidation, it became clear that Hope and thousands of other ticket holders may never see their money returned.

The cancellation of Juicy Fest and other summer festivals raised questions about the state of the live music industry. Layton Lillas, president of the New Zealand Promoters Association, attributed the recent concert chaos to a post-COVID surge that inundated the market with tour opportunities. The resulting competition led to a glut of events, with some being cancelled due to poor planning and financial mismanagement.

The absence of regulations requiring ticketing companies to set aside ticket sale proceeds for refunds has exacerbated the issue. Lillas advocated for the implementation of safeguards, such as ring-fencing ticket funds in escrow accounts until after events take place. Companies like Ticketek, which adhere to industry standards like the New Zealand Ticketing Code of Practice, offer consumers a level of protection by guaranteeing refunds for cancelled events.

In contrast, tickets sold through platforms like Ticket Fairy left consumers at the mercy of complex refund processes involving credit card companies and insolvency proceedings. The lack of safeguards in place for such transactions highlights the vulnerability of consumers in the face of event cancellations and financial uncertainty.

The upheaval caused by the cancellation of Juicy Fest and other festivals serves as a cautionary tale for the live music industry. As consumers like Hope continue to grapple with the aftermath of failed events and lost investments, the need for greater transparency and accountability within the industry becomes increasingly apparent. Amidst the challenges of concert carnage, a silver lining may emerge in the form of renewed initiatives aimed at restoring consumer confidence and ensuring a more secure ticketing experience for all music fans.