Live Nation & Ticketmaster Found Liable in Landmark Antitrust Verdict
After a lengthy trial in federal court, a jury has found Live Nation and Ticketmaster liable for anticompetitive conduct in the live entertainment industry by stifling competition and driving up ticket fees. The case was brought by a coalition of 34 attorneys general from states around the country, including Maryland’s Anthony G. Brown.
“The jury found that Ticketmaster unlawfully maintains a monopoly in the market for ticketing services at major concert venues,” a statement from his office explains. “The jury also found that Live Nation has a monopoly in the market for large amphitheaters used by artists and that Live Nation unlawfully requires artists who use the amphitheaters it owns to also use its event promotion services. In addition, the jury determined that fans have been overcharged for concert tickets at major concert venues across the country. ”
For musicians, it’s an important legal battle for creating a fairer environment by addressing who controls the live music business, who gets access to venues, and how much power artists have when they tour. However, this ruling does not mean an automatically healthier touring economy. The ruling can change market structure without instantly lowering costs or making touring easier, and the actual remedies will be argued at a later date.
This verdict follows a settlement that Live Nation made with the Department of Justice in March. The agreement required Ticketmaster to allow facilities to use competitors like SeatGeek and StubHub to sell tickets, while Live Nation was required to divest 13 amphitheaters, CNN reported. It also avoided a breakup of the companies, which is one of the demands of the case brought by the states.
Live Nation has released a statement on the current ruling, ensuring that this is not the end of the issue.
“The jury’s verdict is not the last word on this matter. Pending motions will determine whether the liability and damages rulings stand,” they wrote. “Injunctive relief will be determined by the Court after the states make a remedy proposal, which we expect in the coming weeks. In the meantime, the Tunney Act proceedings regarding the DOJ settlement will continue. We remain confident that the ultimate outcome of the States’ case will not be materially different than what is envisioned by the DOJ settlement.”
Clearly, this is not the end of the Live Nation-Ticketmaster fight, but it does strengthen the case for giving artists and venues more room to operate outside of one dominant company’s control.
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
