Watchdog urged to probe Live Nation’s dominance of UK live music ticketing
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The Business and Trade Committee has urged the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to launch a comprehensive investigation into the live music industry, citing a “climate of fear” and concerns over ticketing giant Live Nation’s market dominance.
The committee’s report revealed that Live Nation directly controlled 58 per cent of primary tickets sold last year, a figure that increased to 66 per cent when sales by its affiliate companies were included.
MPs were particularly alarmed by the widespread reluctance of individuals to provide evidence openly, with many requesting anonymity due to fears of repercussions for speaking out against Live Nation.
Further concerns highlighted include Live Nation’s alleged failure to implement an industry-led levy to support grassroots music and its use of long-term agreements with restrictive exclusivity clauses, which reportedly limit competition.
Committee chair Liam Byrne called for a full market investigation by the CMA before the end of the year to ensure fair competition for all stakeholders, a sentiment echoed by a government spokesperson and acknowledged by the CMA.
