Home / Business and Economy / Live Nation Monopoly Trial Proceeds Over Artist Coercion Claims
Live Nation Monopoly Trial Proceeds Over Artist Coercion Claims
19 Feb
Summary
- A judge advanced key claims in the DOJ's monopoly lawsuit against Live Nation.
- The judge stated a jury could find artists were coerced into using Live Nation's services.
- The antitrust case is scheduled for a jury trial starting March 2.
A federal judge has ruled that a sweeping monopoly lawsuit against Live Nation can proceed to trial, dismissing some claims while allowing others to move forward. The trial is slated to commence on March 2. The judge indicated that a jury could determine if Live Nation coerced artists into selecting their promotion services to access the company's extensive portfolio of amphitheaters.
The Justice Department's lawsuit, filed in 2024, accuses Live Nation of illegal monopolistic practices in the live music industry. The government alleges Live Nation operates an illegal "flywheel" system, using revenue to sign artists and then leveraging that repertoire to secure exclusive ticketing contracts with venues.
While the judge threw out certain claims related to concert booking and fan experience markets, he allowed accusations concerning "tying"—forcing artists to use Live Nation's promotion services to access its venues—to proceed. The judge also permitted claims that Live Nation forces venues into exclusive contracts with Ticketmaster to move ahead, stating a jury must decide if these are due to coercion or venue preference.
