AC/DC fans experienced significant frustration on Thursday as they faced difficulties purchasing tickets for the band’s highly anticipated first Australian show in a decade. At 1pm, a wave of West Australians flooded Ticketek’s website in hopes of securing spots for the concert at Optus Stadium on December 4.
Reports flooded social media detailing various issues. Some fans were booted back to the virtual queue after almost completing their transactions, while others encountered complete site crashes. One disappointed fan expressed, “What a disaster!! I got in quite quickly, finally got decent tickets, and then (it) booted me to the back of the queue.” Another user shared their anger, saying, “I finally got in, got my tickets, went to pay, and it wouldn’t go through for some stupid reason. I’m so angry.” A third lamented, “I had tickets & the site crashed just when I hit pay.”
Ticket sales began at staggered local times on Thursday, with Sydney at 9am, Brisbane at 11am, and Melbourne at 1pm, coinciding with Perth’s 1pm sales (AWST). Although it took hours for the first category of tickets — front GA standing — to sell out, as of 5pm, tickets for other sections remained available.
Despite the complaints, Tim McGregor of Ticketek Entertainment Group noted that the demand was enormous, stating, “Sales have been fantastic and it’s clear fans are pumped to see AC/DC back on Aussie stages.” He emphasized that the website performed well under demand, contrary to some users’ experiences.
Ticketek also cautioned fans to purchase tickets directly from its site, advising against third-party resellers. Ticket prices ranged from $132 for B reserve seating to $407 for Ultimate A reserve seating.
AC/DC, who last performed in Perth in November 2015 during their Rock or Bust tour, will kick off their Power Up tour in November in Melbourne, followed by performances in Sydney, Adelaide, Perth, and Brisbane. The group features original member Angus Young, alongside longtime vocalist Brian Johnson, Stevie Young on rhythm guitar, drummer Matt Laug, and bassist Chris Chaney. They will also be joined by special guests, Amyl and the Sniffers.
This episode, while frustrating for fans trying to secure tickets, underscores the excitement surrounding AC/DC’s return to Australia, with many looking forward to the band’s live performances and the electric atmosphere that they bring.