Live Nation and Ticketmaster vs. Department of Justice | Matt Connarton Unleashed

·33 min·3 clips

The DOJ says Live Nation's monopoly is breaking the concert industry, with 40 states joining the lawsuit.

The episode begins with a discussion of a March 4th article from CompleteMusicUpdate.com about the DOJ antitrust trial against Live Nation and Ticketmaster. Host Matt Connarton notes that 40 U.S. states are participating in the lawsuit, with DOJ lawyer David Dahlberg claiming Live Nation controls 86% of large concert ticketing. The host reads from the article, detailing opening statements where the DOJ argued Live Nation's dominance harms artists and fans. Connarton and his co-host debate whether Live Nation's tactics are hardball business or predatory. They examine the Barclays Center case, where the venue switched from Ticketmaster to SeatGeek but allegedly faced threats from Live Nation CEO Michael Rapinoe to lose concerts. The Taylor Swift ticket sale crash is discussed as an example of Live Nation's potential complacency due to monopoly power. A second article from DigitalMusicNews.com is introduced, focusing on 'Live Nation retaliation insurance' offered by SeatGeek to venues like the Minnesota Wild, who feared losing shows if they switched ticketing providers. Testimonies from former BSE Global CEO John Abamondi and Minnesota Wild CRO Mitch Helgerson are cited, alleging Live Nation weaponized tour dates. The episode then shifts to legislative efforts, referencing a MusicBusinessWorldwide.com article about the Fix the Ticks Coalition pushing the Senate to tighten the Ticket Act. The coalition, including groups like the Recording Academy and SAG-AFTRA, calls for a ban on speculative ticketing, price transparency, and a cap on resale fees at 10%. Connarton explains how scalpers use bots to buy tickets and resell them at inflated prices on secondary markets. He shares personal anecdotes about buying tickets in the past and advises listeners to avoid sponsored ads and buy directly from venues or artists. The hosts criticize Live Nation's business practices, comparing them to a mafia and highlighting ongoing controversies. They emphasize the need for regulation to protect consumers and artists, noting that existing laws have loopholes. The episode concludes with practical tips for fans to navigate ticketing issues.

As heard by us

A million-dollar ticketing choice turns an antitrust case into a question of who controls the concert room.

Live Nation and Ticketmaster's antitrust fight lands best when it moves away from courtroom language and tracks how leverage might work around a venue.

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Why you'd press play

Why would the Minnesota Wild stay with Ticketmaster if SeatGeek could bring in another million dollars a year?

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