The welcome return of Australian-New Zealand music legends Crowded House has been somewhat soured by the fact that tickets to their upcoming encore shows at the Sydney Opera House have ended up on resale sites for thousands of dollars.

Scalpers have apparently bought up tickets to the band’s upcoming shows, which will mark 20 years since they bid Farewell to the World, and have listed them on authorised reselling websites such as Ticketmaster’s for up to $1,500.

The original value of the tickets began at $127 and fans have taken to social media to let the band know of their dissatisfaction. Including, as The Music reports, members of Australia’s local music community.

Several of Crowded House’s Facebook posts about the upcoming shows have been inundated with comments regarding the exorbitantly priced resale tickets. However, the band (or rather their “team”) have made it clear they have no control over the touts.

“That’s the resale section, which we’re not happy about either but have no control over, sorry,” they wrote in response to one fan. “Please be assured that only a small percentage of tickets were bought by scalpers. Fewer than at most concert sales.”

But the ‘it’s out of our control’ argument doesn’t sit well with Dean McGrath of Rolls Bayce and Hungry Kids of Hungary. As The Music notes, McGrath suggested the band may not be able to control Ticketmaster, but can control who they work with.

“I’ve seen a comment from you stating you don’t have any control over Resale prices for your upcoming shows. Incidentally that’s the same line Ticketmaster have been using all day. What is in your control though is who you work with, surely,” he said.

However, this may not necessarily be the case. Often venues are tied to particular ticketing companies and all of their events go through one particular provider. Pearl Jam famously railed against this during their Ticketmaster boycott in the ’90s.

Crowded House may have had to work with the Sydney Opera House’s ticket provider. One could argue that they could simply choose another venue, but seeing as these shows are taking place specifically to mark the 20th anniversary of their Opera House performance, a different venue would defeat the purpose.

Crowded House National Tour Dates

Tickets on sale 12pm Wednesday, 28th September

Thursday, 24th November 2016 – NEW SHOW
Opera House Forecourt, Sydney
Tickets: Live Nation

Friday, 25th November 2016 – SOLD OUT
Opera House Forecourt, Sydney

Saturday, 26th November 2016 – SOLD OUT
Opera House Forecourt, Sydney

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