Photo Agencies Boycott Oasis Tour Over Unprecedented Image Rights

In an unprecedented move, photo agencies have announced a boycott of the remaining dates of the Oasis reunion tour, including the highly anticipated 'homecoming' concert in Manchester scheduled for this Friday. The decision follows the band’s management imposing stringent restrictions on the rights to concert images, which they claim will only last for one year. This contrasts sharply with the industry standard, which typically allows for perpetual rights for independent photographers, enabling publishers to use images for future articles, retrospectives, and tributes.

The boycott, which affects a total of 39 tour dates both in the UK and internationally, is spearheaded by the News Media Coalition (NMC), an organization representing major national newspaper groups such as Guardian News & Media, News UK, and Reach. According to Andrew Moger, the NMC's chief executive, news publishers have historically created news photographs not only for immediate coverage but also to illustrate future reports. Moger stated, "All news publishers, now and back in time, have created news photographs for use on the day and to illustrate future news."

The controversy arose after negotiations between the NMC and Oasis management failed to yield favorable terms. The original proposal from Oasis's management suggested an even shorter rights period of only one month, prompting widespread discontent among photo agencies. The NMC's complaint was lodged before the first concert in Cardiff, reflecting deep concerns regarding the implications of such restrictive terms on the ability of independent news agencies to operate effectively.

Moger emphasized that the restrictions are not only unusual but could also severely impact independent news agencies and publishers worldwide. He remarked, "As the band prepares for its UK and overseas legs, this is not a time for the band to tell news organisations they want to be invisible."

The tour, which marks the first time brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher will perform together on stage in 16 years, has already faced challenges beyond this boycott. Recently, the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) threatened legal action against Ticketmaster over concerns related to ticket pricing practices. Many fans reported paying exorbitant prices for tickets that had a face value significantly lower than what they ultimately paid.

Moger's comments underline the critical role that news organizations have played in amplifying the band's visibility since their rise to fame in the mid-1990s. He pointed out that the reunion concerts begin with a montage of headlines that have chronicled the band's journey, suggesting that the current approach by Oasis management disregards the historical support from the media.

As the boycott unfolds, it raises broader questions about the rights of photographers and agencies in the music industry, particularly regarding how image rights are negotiated and enforced. With the current landscape evolving, it remains to be seen how this situation will impact the ongoing relationship between artists and media representatives in the future. The implications of this boycott could redefine the terms under which concert images are utilized, potentially influencing similar agreements across the industry.

In summary, the boycott by photo agencies against the Oasis tour is a significant development in the intersection of music and media, highlighting the fragile balance of rights and responsibilities in the digital age. With concert photography serving as a vital aspect of music journalism, the outcome of this dispute may set important precedents for future tours and artistic collaborations.