REM fans warned not to buy stolen concert tickets

FANS of rock giants REM were last night warned they could be refused entry to the band’s Dublin sold-out shows if they buy one of 122 stolen tickets.

The consignment of tickets went missing after being dispatched from Britain at the end of last month, triggering fears that touts will sell them on the internet or the street.

The warning comes as online ticket agency Ticketmaster revealed a blitz on rogue online sellers has seen hundreds of fans with touted tickets denied entry to gigs this year.

REM concert promoter MCD Promotions has already called in gardaí to investigate the disappearance of the 122 tickets, which have since been declared null and void.

“While there has been no evidence to date that tickets have shown up on tout websites, REM is warning fans not to be misled into purchasing tickets at inflated prices from unofficial sources,” said MCD spokesman Justin Green.

“Fans will be refused entry on the night as strict security and garda ticket checks will be in operation for the concert.”

The missing tickets are for standing areas for the June 30 concert at Dublin’s Olympia Theatre. None of the band’s other four nights is affected.

The sequence numbers of the tickets are 0379 to 0500 inclusive. Tickets for the show, which is sold out, were only available from the Sandbag website or the Olympia box office.

MCD fears touts could capitalise on the band’s long-standing popularity and sell the tickets regardless, leaving fans out-of-pocket and heartbroken when they are refused entry.

Mr Green said demand for tickets had been strong as REM will be playing songs from the band’s forthcoming album.

“As such, this will be a rare opportunity for the band to play new material for a live audience before the tracks appear on record,” said the promoter’s spokes-man.

Anyone offered tickets for sale with the sequence numbers 0379 to 0500 for REM’s June 30 concert is asked to contact Dublin’s Pearse Street Garda Station on 01-6669000.