Reports Of Baybeats Scalpers Have Emerged And It’s Absolutely Not Okay
This is toxic on so many levels (Credit: Baybeats)
In a bid to restore some normalcy to a battered scene, Baybeats 2021 announced its semi-hybrid format, meaning that audiences will actually get to attend its four days of extensive programming from 4 to 7 November. Always the killjoy, the pandemic presented a catch. Sticking to persistent safe distancing regulations this year, the annual festival required attendees to book their seats online to reserve a spot due to limited capacity. To everyone’s relief, these tickets were complimentary, in line with Baybeats’ evergreen ideals of supporting the music community – it has always been a free festival since its inception in 2002 – by providing an environment where everyone can discover local music.
On the day of the tickets’ first release, reception was resoundingly positive. Within an hour, gigs were already getting ‘sold out’ as eager fans slipped into trigger-happy mode and snapped up slots that they desired. The buzz simmering amidst the scene was understandably intense. After all, when was the last time you could actually catch a live gig? I, myself, was on the edge of my seat trying to beat the queue and secure my spots (I couldn’t get all of them). This overwhelming wave of demand showed not only the relevance of Baybeats, but also how supportive our local music community was in trying to keep spirits alive.
The lineup for Baybeats 2021 is undeniably stacked (Credit: Wesley Lim [Ultra Mega Cat Attack], Ryhan Tomita [Pleasantry], Christopher Sim [BGourd], Lenne Chai [Stopgap], Marina A [background])
But there are always those who ruin things, aren’t there? Two days after the launch of tickets, Baybeats has reported that it’s already found scalpers who are selling tickets online for a profit. Earlier today, I found a Carousell listing – which has since been removed – of someone selling tickets for Don Aaron for $50. But major platforms aside, who knows if such sordid behaviour is running rampant through other means?
There is zero doubt that the financial situations of some might be looking bleak because of this pandemic. But if you’re truly a fan of the local music scene, pulling a stunt like this is plainly detestable. For one, this is a slap in the face to the Baybeats legacy and its team, as it’s always taken pride in being a free festival even in impossible situations like this. It built a ticketing system this year where everyone could at least have a chance to catch a gig. Scalping disrespects not just the process, but everyone else who scrambled earnestly (yet cordially) to secure their spots.
And beyond Baybeats, the fundamental act of scalping in a gig-less climate is simply tone deaf. Following an arduous spate of cancelled shows and crippling ennui, the scene is now trying to recover from the ground up, providing equal opportunities to keep its community intact and bring back a sensation sorely missed. For many, the absence of gigs has been excruciating and spiritually draining. To take advantage of this desire via scalping is toxic, and it has no place when a scene is already so weak.
Scalping was bad when the industry was healthy. Many might recall local scalper scandals when tickets were being re-sold for thousands at major gigs like BTS and Ed Sheeran (scalping is not ethical, but not illegal in Singapore). But come on, to pull this off for a free event that’s trying its best to unite the community? That’s just scum behaviour.
The legacy of Baybeats should not be tainted by the toxic act of scalping (Credit: Baybeats)
Baybeats has announced that tickets to its gigs are transferable, and implores people who have excess tickets to give them away to those who need them. The team has also asked the community to notify them if any scalper activity is spotted. If you are still in need of a ticket for Baybeats, make sure you don’t get ripped off. And if you’re one of those partaking in the dirty deed, I suggest your relook at yourself and ask if you truly care about the scene. Frankly, it doesn't need you.
Visit the Baybeats website and follow its Instagram page to stay updated with tickets and more information. Read our interview with the Baybeats team to discover how the festival’s legacy alive.
