A recent study on the live music sector has urged an inquiry into potential market dominance by Live Nation, a major ticketing company. According to a report by the Business and Trade Committee, Live Nation directly managed 58% of the 23.1 million tickets available for sale last year. This figure rose to 66% when considering sales controlled by its affiliated companies. Concerns were also raised about a lack of support for grassroots sectors through an industry-led levy on arena and stadium tickets.
Live Nation, the parent company of Ticketmaster, refuted the report’s claims, stating that it relies on inaccurate data and baseless conclusions. The committee highlighted that many contributors to the report requested anonymity, causing further apprehension among MPs. Consequently, the committee is urging the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to initiate a new investigation. This development follows a prior CMA inquiry into Ticketmaster’s sales practices regarding Oasis tickets in 2024.
Committee chair Liam Byrne expressed concerns about Live Nation’s significant market influence across various aspects of the live music industry, emphasizing the need for fair competition. He noted that while the UK’s live music scene is a success story, there are doubts about whether competition in the sector benefits fans, artists, venues, and independent promoters.
Byrne called for the CMA to conduct a comprehensive market investigation promptly to ensure fairness for consumers, artists, and independent businesses. Government officials emphasized the importance of transparency in ticket pricing to ensure that everyone has equal access to live music events. The CMA confirmed that they would review the committee’s report and relevant developments to determine their next steps.
A spokesperson for Live Nation UK disputed the report’s accuracy, emphasizing the company’s active competition in the industry. They expressed willingness to engage in constructive processes benefiting artists, fans, and the broader industry, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based discussions.
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