Stop Wilko ticket touts

Scam victim: Wilko Johnson

Bosses of one of the UK’s most respected music venues are backing a fan campaign to stop ticket touts profiteering on Wilko Johnson’s farewell tour.

Those who operate and attend concerts at the Robin 2 in Bilston say they’re sickened after the terminally ill musician’s final shows sold out and unscrupulous resellers started to cash in.

Johnson has decided not to undergo chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer and will instead spend his remaining months recording a new album and touring the UK one more time.

A spokeswoman for the Robin 2 says: “The great Wilko will be here in March to say thanks and cheerio to his fans.

“We sold out of tickets for the show three hours after they went on sale. It filled us with pride – we’ll give him a good send off and make it a truly amazing gig.

“Wilko kept his prices low, just £17.50. To our disappointment we have now discovered tickets are being touted on eBay at £79 and on Viagogo for £167.

“The lack of conscience in these touts really sickens us. To exploit the fans at such a level is unbelievable.”

An online petition has been started to raise awareness of the reselling scams. Sign it now.