On May 20, 2026, the Paul-Löbe-Haus in Berlin will transform into a vibrant hub for music lovers and political discussion during the inaugural Parliament of Pop – Ticketing Goes Bundestag. This unique event, spearheaded by SPD members of parliament Johannes Fechner and Martin Rabanus, dives deep into the pressing issue of soaring ticket prices in the concert industry, a topic that has gone largely unchecked within the whirlwind of international headlines.
Parliament of Pop – Ticketing Goes Bundestag
Paul-Löbe-Haus
20. Mai 2026 – Showtime 18:30 Uhr
Stream: youtube.com/@parliamentofpop
Web: parliamentofpop.com
With the business of ticketing becoming increasingly fraught with controversy, it is high time for political intervention. This forum will gather politicians and industry experts to explore five critical agenda items, ranging from “True Crime Ticketing” to the allure of social tickets. Dr Johannes Fechner emphasises the urgency of the situation, stating, “The exploitation of sports and music fans must come to an end. It is unacceptable that tickets for concerts or football games are resold at exorbitant prices on the secondary market. We need clear and effective rules for the ticket resale market that protect consumers and organisers, securing fair prices. Culture and sport must not become a lucrative model for exploitation.”
Martin Rabanus, who serves as the spokesperson for his party on the Committee for Culture and Media, adds, “Pop culture is democracy. Concerts are a form of civic engagement and must remain accessible to all. We need fair and transparent ticketing regulations to ensure that platform dynamics and price gouging do not dictate who can afford to experience culture live.”
The event promises to feature not only insightful discussions on consumer protection but also innovative ideas inspired by international models, such as the French approach to balancing the ticket market for both large and small concert organisers. Another intriguing panel, titled “TTT – The Gas Station Ticket Trick,” will address political solutions to the problematic business model of dynamic pricing in the concert realm.
Parliament of Pop is designed as a journalistic forum, comprising interviews, presentations, and passionate debates that bridge cultural and political divides. With participation requiring accreditation for in-person attendance, the discussions will also be available via live stream to reach a broader audience, including pop music fans.
Originally envisioned as a travelling panel by music journalist Manfred Tari for music conferences, Parliament of Pop has artfully blended music and politics from its inception. The series first debuted in Portugal in October 2020, followed by numerous meetings at notable music festivals, including Eurosonic Noorderslag and the Reeperbahn Festival. In a significant milestone, the initiative took place at the European Parliament in Brussels in November 2025, backed by members of the European Parliament Hannes Heide and Bogdan Zdrojewski.
As the conversation surrounding ticketing reaches the Bundestag, Parliament of Pop embodies the intersection of culture and democracy, a must-attend for anyone invested in the future of live music and equitable access for all.
