As another year in music comes to an end, telecoms tycoon Virgin Media O2 have unveiled important analysis of this year’s live events according to O2’s Priority Tickets scheme. Not only did O2 provide a breakdown of all the artists that contributed to the all-important figures, but they also emphasised it was a recording-breaking year for consumers using the ticket reward scheme.
It was reported that 1.54 million tickets were sold via O2 Priority between January and November of this year – this is a remarkable 12% increase from the same time period in 2023.
O2 and Virgin Media customers are granted with the Priority Tickets reward platform, which enables them to have exclusive early access to the sale of tickets to some of the biggest events in the UK. Along with this, members can receive other benefits including VIP Hospitality packages, queue jump and a range of discounts.
What gig tickets did you buy this year?
2024 is not over just yet, but the @O2 #Priority Tickets platform has already had a record-breaking year! Over 1.54 million tickets were sold January to November – a 12% increase on the same time period in 2023.
Tours by #DuaLipa,… pic.twitter.com/xA0QVbej9R
— Virgin Media O2 News (@VMO2News) December 20, 2024
The biggest selling tours of 2024 according to the level of Priority Tickets sold, reveals the UK have an eclectic taste when it concerns entertainment.
Dua Lipa was crowned the top spot on the list. The pop sensation released her third album, ‘Radical Optimism’ this year alongside the announcement of a 2025 world tour, named after the LP. With her own ITV Special and memorable hits like ‘Houdini’ and ‘Training Season’, it is no surprise Lipa claims this spot. As the highest-selling artist on the list, it should be noted that the ticket sales for her upcoming tour were partnered with O2’s priority platform, announced through an enticingly iconic ‘Walk’ ad to increase hype for the events.
Lipa’s runner-up was none other than legendary British comedian Peter Kay. As a much-loved comedian in the UK, Kay’s upcoming tour will consist of a residency at London’s prestigious O2 Arena; with many sold out dates on this tour and some fans reporting being over 20,000 in the queue for tickets, extra shows have been added to meet demand.
Despite only announcing her tour at the end of November, Lana Del Rey claimed the third spot on the list. The forthcoming tour will mark the ‘Video Games’ singer’s first stadium tour in the UK and will be some of the first shows to witness performances of tracks from her unreleased album ‘The Right Person Will Stay’.
Other artists on the list include Usher, who continues to ride the success of his halftime performance at this year’s Super Bowl in February, along with Billie Eilish, who released her third album ‘Hit Me Hard and Soft’ this year and has spent the last few months touring the album in the US.
Gareth Griffiths, Director of Partnerships and Sponsorship at Virgin Media O2 commented on the success of this year’s O2 Priority Tickets reward platform: “There have been massive tours announced this year, ones that will go on to define an entire generation of music and entertainment.”
He continued: “With a relentless demand from O2 and Virgin Media broadband customers for access to live shows, we’re now seeing Priority Tickets smash its own sale records again this year”.
As the future remains hopeful for the continued success of Priority Tickets, it must be emphasised this comes at a time when ticket-buying experiences have become excruciating for fans who wait in online queues for hours or have to deal with dynamic pricing at checkout. Priority Tickets aims to create a hassle-free ticket-buying experience for its customers and gig-goers.
The biggest-selling tours this year according to Priority Tickets:
- Dua Lipa
- Peter Kay
- Lana Del Rey
- Usher
- Billie Eilish
- Bruce Springsteen
- Justin Timberlake
- Linkin Park
- Tate McRae
- Iron Maiden
