KUCHING: In a recent frenzy of excitement, thousands of eager Coldplay fans in Malaysia rushed to secure their highly coveted tickets for the band’s upcoming concert.
However, as the dust settled and the ticket sale concluded, a wave of disappointment swept across the country as numerous fans were unable to purchase tickets.
As news spread of failed ticket purchases, social media platforms were flooded with posts and comments expressing frustration and dismay.
Concert enthusiasts shared their experiences, recounting the obstacles they faced during the ticket purchase process. Stories emerged of crashing websites, long waiting times, and the bitter disappointment of seeing tickets sell out in a matter of minutes.
As disappointed fans reflect on their failed attempts to purchase tickets, questions are being raised about the effectiveness of ticketing systems and the need for stricter regulations to combat scalping and price manipulation.
Speaking to New Sarawak Tribune, Istifa Suryani, 29, said she was preparing to fight for her ticket before 9 am on May 16, to get into the virtual queue for the CIMB presale ticket.
“I waited in front of the laptop for 4.5 hours until I got into the buying queue. By then, all presale tickets were sold out,” she said.
Undeterred, Istifa made another attempt during the general sale on May 17, starting as early as 8 am. However, her efforts were in vain once again.
“Saying that I am frustrated is underrated. I am beyond devastated as I’ve been waiting to go to a Coldplay concert for as long as I can remember,” she said.
Reflecting on the ticketing situation, she lamented the prevalence of scalpers and the lack of improvements in the ticketing system.
“This scalper issue has been going on for a while now, even in the previous concert.
“I don’t understand why the ticketing provider does not improve their system so it will be fair and square for the buyers,” she added.
She cited the example of Taiwan, where buyers can see the number of available tickets in each section, allowing them to make informed decisions.
The exorbitant prices set by resellers shocked Istifa, with markups reaching four to five times the original price.
However, she acknowledged the challenges associated with reselling issues. Istifa highlighted the sentiment among dejected Coldplay fans in Malaysia, sharing insights from a Coldplay Malaysia Telegram group poll.
“It seemed like 75 per cent of the people in that group did not manage to grab the tickets,” she said.
Istifa, along with other disappointed fans, condemned both the scalpers and the ticketing provider, considering the situation unfair.
“We are begging the organiser as well as Coldplay to do a second-day show,” she pleaded.
Dicky Ensurai, 24, was disappointed because he had been queuing from 9 am to 12 pm and couldn’t even enter the seat purchase site.
Not unfamiliar with the issue of scalpers, Dicky concerned about their involvement in the ticketing process, particularly for international band concerts.
He wondered how scalpers managed to access the website using multiple devices and acquire substantial funds to purchase tickets.
Dicky also questioned the lack of apparent action from Live Nation, the event organiser, when such issues arise.
He suggested the possibility of hybrid concerts, allowing those unable to attend physically to enjoy the performance online.
Aviellia Chloette Jacob, 31, said that it was very upsetting. Coldplay is one of the bands that she put on my bucket list since she was 15 years old, and promised her younger self that she must watch them performing live.
She recounted her arduous journey, queuing for two consecutive days, starting with the pre-queue on May 16 at 9 am. Unfortunately, her efforts proved futile as she entered the purchasing system only to discover that her time in the queue had been in vain.
Aviellia was frustrated at the presence of scalpers who resell tickets at inflated prices.
“Irate is the only word to describe my feeling right now. I honestly feel exasperated with these scalpers,” she said.
Aviellia pointed out the flaws in their justification, highlighting the responsibility of scalpers to accurately gauge the number of attendees before making purchases.
Claudia Chai, 32, was unhappy with the ticketing system.
“To be honest, I felt angry and frustrated with the system,” she said.
She recounted her experience of queuing diligently from 9 am to 1.38 pm, only to discover that the tickets had sold out. She criticised the system, deeming it “ridiculous.”
“No matter how desperate you are as a fan, please do not support the scalpers. Do not buy the tickets from them,” she added.
“If only the ticketing style could be like 10 years ago,” she mused. Claudia proposed a solution where tickets could be sold at various music shops in Malaysia, making it more accessible for everyone.
She also suggested maintaining an online purchasing option to cater to the digital age.
Additionally, Claudia made a heartfelt plea for the tickets to be exclusively available to the “80s and 90s babies,” emphasising the deep connection they share with Coldplay’s music, having grown up listening to their songs.
As the fervour continues, fans are hopeful for a resolution that ensures fair access to tickets and a memorable concert experience. Coldplay’s Malaysian fans remain steadfast in their desire to witness the band’s performance, eagerly awaiting any updates or possibilities for a second concert day.
