United States looks to break up Ticketmaster, Live Nation event monopoly

For many fans and artists, Ticketmaster and Live Nation have long been a stress point within the entertainment industry. Now the United States is looking to take action to help loosen the companies’ strong grasp on the industry.

Frustrations and aggravation with Ticketmaster is not a new headline. 2024 marks 30 years since Seattle superstars Pearl Jam first publicly attacked Ticketmaster as they looked to provide a better platform for fans and lower ticketing fees. In the years since, the company has only grown larger, even swallowing up another major promoter in Live Nation several years ago, further ensuring a stronghold on many live events. As fees and complaints over the platform have increased over the years, the early sale of tickets for Taylor Swift’s 2023 Era’s Tour brought the issues with Ticketmaster and Live Nation to the forefront again.

“It is time to break up Live Nation-Ticketmaster. Live Nation relies on unlawful, anticompetitive conduct to exercise its monopolistic control over the live events industry in the United States at the cost of fans, artists, smaller promoters, and venue operators.”

-Merrick Garland, the US attorney general

Today, May 23rd, the attorney general from 29 states and Washington D.C. filled the lawsuit against Ticketmaster in the southern district of New York. Within the filing, Live Nation is accused of acting in a monopolistic fashion, working to acquire start-ups and sign long-term contracts with venues to limit competition. Live Nation has spoken out against the lawsuit stating, “We will defend against these baseless allegations, use this opportunity to shed light on the industry, and continue to push for reforms that truly protect consumers and artists.”

For now fans and artists alike will have to await the findings from this incredible lawsuit.