Buying tickets for concerts at the moment seems to be an impossible task, especially if you’re a Sam Fender fan with a pre-sale code.
The growing crisis in the ticketing world has not gone unnoticed, with a new law proposed to block touting and O2 backing campaigns for change in the industry.
However, future legislation doesn’t help those who entered the pre-sale this morning for Sam’s shows in Glasgow and Dublin.
Earlier this month the Hypersonic Missiles hitmaker, 30, announced UK tour dates for December 2024, with a general sale on Friday, October 25.
For those who purchased his latest album, the artist’s pre-sale began at 10am, with fans queuing for hours to try and secure their tickets.
When they finally got to the front of the queue, fans were turned away at the last moment after being told their codes were ‘not valid’.
‘Is anyone else’s Sam Fender code invalid? like what’s happening,’ asked Han on X among hundreds of others facing similar issues.
Tam added: ‘Soooooo didnt get sam fender tix because they said my code was invalid….. right.’
‘Waited an hour and a half for the Sam Fender presale just for it to say my code is invalid,’ shared Jen.
Jo McGee said: ‘Anyone else unable to use their presale code for Sam Fender? Waited 24 mins in the queue just to be told invalid code. Fuming.’
Arwen vented: ‘Waited over an hour in Sam Fender presale for the code I paid £15 for to be invalid. @seetickets ????????’
It appeared to be SeeTickets causing the upset as fans advised jumping ship to other official sellers such as Ticketmaster to bypass the glitch.
Sam Fender People Watching UK tour dates 2024
December 2 – 3Arena, Dublin
December 4 – First Direct Arena, Leeds
December 6 – Co-Op Live, Manchester
December 10 – The O2, London
December 13 – Utilita Arena, Birmingham
December 16 – OVO Hydro, Glasgow
December 20 – Utilita Arena, Newcastle
Fans were able to secure tickets but it’s unclear how many with pre-sale codes were denied access across the sites.
Hopefully, the issue will be resolved soon as tomorrow sees three more venues open up for various pre-sale access; London, Manchester, and Birmingham.
Due to the high demand for Sam’s homecoming gig in Newcastle, tickets are only accessible through a ballot system which can be applied for on his website.
Along with his imminent tour, the Geordie star announced he would be releasing his much anticipated third album, People Watching.
Coincidentally – or perhaps not so – Sam’s big announcements will come just in time for the November Glastonbury ticket drop.
He’s tipped for the festival in 2025 alongside names including Olivia Rodrigo, Fred Again, Harry Styles, and Eminem.