Groups Warn of Ticket Policy for Black Keys Show at Charter

Watchdog groups, Fan Freedom and Consumer Action, are warning fans of The Black Keys and Flaming Lips about restricted ticketing policies in effect for the July 12 show at Charter Amphitheatre. 

Fans should review the ticketing policy closely before purchasing tickets to the show, which go on sale Friday, February 15 at 10 a.m.

According to Ticketmaster, restricted tickets will be in use for many seats, requiring fans to present the credit card used to purchase the ticket and a valid photo ID at the venue in order to gain admittance — and the tickets are non-transferable.

“We all have the right to purchase tickets as gifts for our kids and friends, and we should continue to be able to give away or resell our tickets if plans change at the last minute,” said Linda Sherry, Director of National Priorities at Consumer Action. “Anti-consumer policies like restricted ticketing strip fans of our freedom to give away, buy, or sell tickets.”

“Buyer beware!” warned Fan Freedom Consumer Advocate Elizabeth Owen. “If you buy tickets as a gift or on behalf of friends, make sure you read the fine print. They may not be able to enter the arena with you or you might end up with a ticket you can’t give away.”

The Black Keys/Flaming Lips show is anticipated to be perhaps the biggest concert draw of the year in the Upstate. The critically acclaimed Lips are notorious for putting on wild and often elaborate stage shows. Meanwhile, headliners The Black Keys are riding a surging wave of critical and commercial success. That was capped earlier this week when the Ohio-based band scored huge at the Grammy Awards. 

The Black Keys won the night with four Gramophones, for best rock performance, best rock album and best rock song, as well as producer of the year for singer-guitarist Dan Auerbach.

Do you plan to attend the show? Do you have a comment on the ticket policy? Tell us about it in the comments below.