DOJ accuses Live Nation of using monopoly power to control the concert industry
The trial focuses on exclusive contracts and pressure tactics against venues
Taylor Swift's Ticketmaster issues continue to be referenced in the case
Live Nation argues there is more competition than DOJ claims
DOJ proposes breaking up Live Nation and Ticketmaster as a remedy
📖 Full Retelling
Justice Department attorneys and 40 state prosecutors began an antitrust trial against Live Nation, the entertainment giant that owns Ticketmaster, in a Manhattan federal courthouse on Tuesday, alleging the company has used its monopoly power to control the concert industry and pressure venues into exclusive deals. The trial, filed under the Biden administration but potentially facing settlement discussions under President Donald Trump, centers on claims that Live Nation controls 86% of primary concert ticketing at major venues and uses this dominance to force venues into exclusive contracts. DOJ attorney David Dahlquist told the jury that "Today the concert industry is broken," while Live Nation's legal team, led by David Marriott, argues there is more competition than ever in the ticketing market. The company successfully narrowed the trial scope by having claims about monopolizing concert promotions dismissed, but still faces allegations of pressuring venues and requiring artists to use its services. Taylor Swift's name continues to loom over the proceedings, with DOJ referencing Ticketmaster's system failures during the Eras Tour sales, citing internal messages that the platform was "held together by duct tape." Live Nation acknowledges there were problems but argues no other company could have handled the unprecedented ticket demand. Witnesses expected to testify include Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino, former BSE Global CEO John Abbamondi, artists like Kid Rock, and Drake's manager Adel Nur. The DOJ is seeking a breakup of Live Nation and Ticketmaster, a remedy the company considers unlikely given the merger was approved over a decade ago.
🏷️ Themes
Antitrust, Music Industry, Corporate Power, Competition
Ticketmaster Entertainment, LLC is an American ticket sales and distribution company based in Beverly Hills, California, with operations in many countries around the world. In 2010, it merged with events/concert promoter Live Nation under the name Live Nation Entertainment, with both brand names con...
Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. is an American multinational entertainment company that was founded in 2010 following the merger of Live Nation and Ticketmaster. It continues to operate both brands as subsidiary companies, promoting and managing ticket sales for live entertainment internationally.
Taylor Alison Swift (born December 13, 1989) is an American singer-songwriter. An influential figure in popular culture, she is known for her autobiographical songwriting and artistic reinventions. Swift is the highest-grossing live music artist, the wealthiest female musician, and one of the best-s...
Share on Facebook Share on X Google Preferred Share to Flipboard Show additional share options Share on LinkedIn Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share on Tumblr Share on Whats App Send an Email Print the Article Post a Comment Logo text As the Justice Department kicked off its antitrust trial against Live Nation on Tuesday, the specter of a possible settlement lurked around the proceedings, as did that of Taylor Swift. The Justice Department and 40 state attorneys general brought a lawsuit against the company in 2024, accusing the company, which owns Ticketmaster, of using its positions as the nation’s largest concert promoter, ticket seller and venue owner to undermine competition. Since then, Live Nation unsuccessfully tried to dismiss the suit, which was filed under the Biden administration. But the sense has been that the company could reach a settlement with the DOJ now under Donald Trump. Related Stories Music Live Nation Seeks to Delay Monopoly Trial, Citing Appeal Business Live Nation Reports Record 2025 Concert Attendance Amid DOJ Lawsuit Dark Cloud This argument was bolstered as DOJ assistant attorney General Gail Slater stepped down in February , amid reports of large companies cozying up to the administration and going above her head to strike deals with senior DOJ members. Still, a 12-person jury was selected Monday, and opening arguments went ahead in the Manhattan federal courthouse Tuesday morning, amid lingering questions about whether it could all be upended by a last-minute deal. “This case is about power. The power of a monopolist to control competition,” said David Dahlquist, an attorney for the DOJ, adding that “Today the concert industry is broken.” Before the trial began, Live Nation won its bid to narrow down the scope of the trial after U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian agreed to dismiss claims that the company had monopolized concert promotions and bookings. The company still has to defend itself against claims that it pressures venu...
