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Elton John promoter discusses concerns around ticketing issues

Elton John’s promoter claims high demand is the reason many fans were left empty handed and angry during yesterday’s (Tuesday’s) sale in New Zealand.

Michael ‘Chuggi’ Chugg said, despite earlier reports, that there was no ticketing system malfunctions or bugs, but rather a huge influx of fans scrambling for tickets.

He said, according to NewstalkZB: “I’ve seen a few complaints about people not being able to get tickets and all that stuff but when you’ve got a 25,000-capacity venue and there’s 60,000 people trying to buy tickets obviously a lot are going to miss out. And that’s what happened.

“From the reports I’m seeing this morning it was basically just too many people.”

Many fans were complaining after they were left waiting in an online queue, only to find they had been moved to the back of the line.

Chugg continued: “When you sell out you need to tell the 15,000 to 20,000 people that are still online that you have sold out, rather than just all of a sudden there’s zero tickets. But you know, everyone keeps learning from this procedure.

“Hey, let’s face it, an hour’s sell out is pretty unusual and it just shows the incredible strength that Sir Elton’s got and what these final shows mean to people.”

Chugg also urged fans that missed out on the Mission show and for any people who miss out when tickets go on sale for Dunedin and Auckland, not to panic as many more tickets will be released via resale. 

He said: “I’d say to people don’t panic and don’t go and pay NZ$900 (£476/€543/$614) for a NZ$300 ticket. We’re a year away and with the size of the show and the production there’s always going to be more tickets released.

“Your son could decide to get married on the day of the show and you’re going to have to sell your tickets. You can officially resell your tickets if you can’t go to the concert. So there will be tickets across the year. Don’t panic.

“But don’t go and buy tickets off Viagogo or any of the other reseller sites. The tickets won’t be honoured. Half the time they don’t even have the tickets. They’re taking the money and speculating that they’re going to get tickets.”

Image: Ernst Vikne