Following the verdict in the Live Nation case on Wednesday (April 15), in which a jury found that Live Nation and Ticketmaster violated federal and state antitrust laws, various stakeholders representing venues, artists, consumers and more began weighing in on the historic verdict, which delivered a major victory for the states that brought the case and keept open the possibility that the two companies could be broken up. Also sounding off were Live Nation itself and New York Attorney General Letitia James, one of the state attorneys general who prosecuted the case.
Check out a sampling of reactions below. We’ll continue to update as more come through.
National Independent Venue Association (NIVA):
“In the 44 days Live Nation’s lawyers spent arguing about whether they broke the law, Live Nation made $3.1 billion,” said NIVA executive director Stephen Parker. “Today, the jury confirmed what artists, fans, and independent venues have believed for 15 years: Live Nation is a monopoly. The consequences should be swift and disruptive to their vertically-integrated market power.
Live Nation and Ticketmaster must be broken up now. Ticketmaster should not be permitted to participate in the ticket resale market. Live Nation should not be able to promote more than 50% of artists’ tours. And the damages paid to the states should be remitted to the independent venues, promoters, festivals, and fans that have suffered under Live Nation’s monopolistic reign over the last 15 years.
The nation’s fans and independent stages have hope once again because the jury saw Live Nation for what it is: an illegal monopoly. Now the case is in the hands of the judge and the Plaintiff States to determine the remedies that will protect and compensate fans, venues, and promoters for the effects of their monopolistic conduct, and prevent it in the future.”
National Independent Talent Organization (NITO):
“Now that a federal jury of ordinary Americans determined that Live Nation and its subsidiary, Ticketmaster, maintained monopoly power in ticketing, we urge Judge Subramanya to focus on remedies that guarantee an open market with greater transparency, reduced fees, and more options for both fans and artists. This is a positive step forward that can benefit all stakeholders.”
Coalition for Ticket Fairness:
“This decision is a landmark moment for fans. A federal jury made clear what millions have experienced for years: Live Nation and Ticketmaster built a monopoly to eliminate competition from small businesses and artificially inflate prices as part of a scheme to enrich their corporate executives,” said Dustin Brighton, director of government relations at the organization.
“The trial pulled back the curtain on how the monopoly operates. Behind closed doors, executives joked about ‘robbing fans blind,’ and today’s verdict confirmed that wasn’t just talk as consumers were being overcharged by $1.72 on every single ticket.
“We commend the 34 states that brought this case forward and won an outcome that can begin to address the structural issues at the heart of the ticketing market.
“This ruling is an important milestone, but it’s not the end of the road. As the court considers remedies, the focus must be on restoring competition, increasing transparency, and ensuring fans have real choice.”
National Consumers League:
“Today’s verdict confirms what millions of fans already knew: Live Nation and Ticketmaster used their dominance to build and protect an illegal monopoly at the direct expense of consumers,” said John Breyault, vp of public policy, telecommunications and fraud. “For years, concertgoers have been stuck paying inflated prices and excessive fees in a marketplace where competition was pushed aside. This ruling must be a turning point—and policymakers should move quickly to break up this stranglehold and restore real competition, transparency, and fair prices for fans.”
National Association of Ticket Brokers (NATB):
“Today’s verdict is a victory for competition, the free market, and most importantly, the fans. By holding Live Nation and Ticketmaster accountable for their stranglehold on the live entertainment industry, the court has delivered a clear message: anti-competitive bullying and exploitation of customers will no longer be the price of admission. Hopefully, this decision will play a part in creating a future where ticketing professionals compete on the quality of their services, rather than being sidelined by a monopoly. At NATB, we will continue to champion consumers’ choice and work towards further improving the ticketing space for transparency and consumer protections.”
Live Nation:
“The jury’s verdict is not the last word on this matter. Pending motions will determine whether the liability and damages rulings stand. Of course, Live Nation can and will appeal any unfavorable rulings on these motions.”
New York Attorney General Letitia James:
“For far too long, Live Nation and Ticketmaster have taken advantage of fans and artists by raising prices for tickets and stifling any competition that threatened their power. A jury found what we have long known to be true: Live Nation and Ticketmaster are breaking the law and costing consumers millions of dollars in the process. I am proud to have led a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general in bringing this case and look forward to continuing our work to hold Live Nation and Ticketmaster accountable.”
