Michael Jackson at the O2. This is It!
How to get your hands on tickets to this, and other sold out gigs
Mar 13, 2009
At 7am on Thursday 13th of March tickets went on general release for what is set to be a mammoth series of shows, marking the end of a remarkable career in music. Those who were fortunate enough to get their hands on tickets either online, by phone or by queueing all night outside ticket offices paid between £50 and £75 to secure a seat in the Greenwich Venue to see this musical hero.
Those who weren't so lucky instantly flocked to eBay to pay at least double face value in order to make sure they would be going to what is set to be an outstanding show. Those who find themselves without tickets for popular shows like this are often left feeling disheartened, but fear not, there are always opportunities.
Things to Know When Buying Tickets to Sold Out Events
For those eager to save a bit of cash, eBay is the number one choice to find tickets. Expect to pay more than face value, but you never know, you might get lucky. As all major ticket promoters sold out of Michael Jackson tickets, prices instantly soared to at least double the initial price on eBay, but then dropped slightly giving people a chance to see the King of Pop without completely destroying their bank balance. Remember that paying with PayPal is the most secure option when buying on eBay, and make sure that you are eligible for buyer protection before bidding, which virtually eliminates your chances of being scammed and losing your money.
For those who prefer even more security when exchanging these sums of money, there are companies such as Seatwave who offer a service exclusively catering to sold out event tickets. Seatwave clearly state how much tickets are being sold for, and exactly which seats are available for which dates. You are also more likely to receive a refund in the unlikely situation that the gig is cancelled. Many people feel more comfortable using this service, but may end up paying a little extra. When buying on eBay it's always a good idea to ask for the seller to agree in writing that they will offer a full or partial refund in the event of a cancellation.
Also remember that the laws surrounding the reselling and buying of tickets differ from country to country. Check your countries laws before buying or selling and remember that some promoters have measures in place to stop buyers using tickets that have not been purchased originally by them. So far, it does not seem this is the case for the Michael Jackson gigs though.
Cham'on
It's a testament to Jackson's enduring popularity that up to a million tickets were sold so quickly, and even more so that they are already selling for more than twice their value. One thing is for certain, fans will find the expense well worth it.
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