Live Nation

Ticketmaster And Live Nation Are Reportedly Being Sued By The Justice Department For Creating A Touring Monopoly

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The US Department of Justice is about to drop the hammer on Live Nation and Ticketmaster for their longstanding monopoly over concert promotion. According to The Wall Street Journal, the DOJ is preparing to bring an antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation — which it could file as soon as next month — for using its leverage over live events ticketing through Ticketmaster to undermine competition in the space.

Live Nation acquired Ticketmaster in 2010, and since then, consumers have complained of increasing prices and fees, while at the same time, independently owned venues have gone out of business or been absorbed into Live Nation’s network. The issues came to a head with the return of live entertainment after the 2020 shutdown over COVID, with fans experiencing problems buying tickets for <Beyoncé and Taylor Swift’s return tours.

Those problems spawned a href=”https://uproxx.com/pop/ticketmaster-hearing-senators-corny-taylor-swift-jokes/” target=”_blank” title=””>Congressional hearings about Ticketmaster’s business practices, prompted Ticketmaster to revise some of its policies, and even sparked a class action lawsuit from Ticketmaster customers who felt jilted by hidden fees, website breakdowns, and vastly inflated prices. Separately, but probably relatedly (we have eyes), several musicians’ tours across genre were canceled or shortened by low ticket sales in the past year, with social media users pointing out that prices have just gotten too high to afford for most people.

Meanwhile, Live Nation’s head of corporate affairs Dan Wall has argued that artists set prices, that those prices are subject to high demand and low supply, and that the majority of the fees charged go to venues (failing to mention, of course, who owns an outsized and growing proportion of those venues).

As noted by WSJ, the federal government did not try to block the merger between Live Nation and Ticketmaster but did agree to a settlement in which Live Nation and Ticketmaster would incur steep fines if they were found to be retaliating against venue operators making use of competing ticketing services by doing things like blocking Live Nation artists from playing those venues. Of course, in 2019, Live Nation was found to be violating exactly those terms, forcing an extension of the settlement terms to 2025. It looks like it still wasn’t enough; now, Live Nation could find itself in an even more precarious position.

Justice Department Readies Live Nation Antitrust Lawsuit Following Ticketmaster’s Taylor Swift Debacle

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The U.S. Department of Justice is reportedly readying an antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation Entertainment which, according to the Wall Street Journal, they will file next month. The company will face scrutiny over accusations they’ve used their dominance of the market to undermine consumers. The news comes after the company’s subsidiary Ticketmaster faced enormous backlash for its handling of Taylor Swift’s Eras tour in 2022.

Following that incident, Joe Berchtold, Live Nation’s president and chief financial officer, testified in front of the Senate. Lawmakers grilled him on a lack of transparency regarding ticket fees, the company’s inability to block bot purchases of tickets, and more. Backlash towards the company came from both sides of the aisle.

Read More: U.S. Senate Addresses Ticketmaster In Hearing After Taylor Swift Debacle

Concert Ticket Industry Executives Testify In Front Of Senate

WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 24: (L-R) Joe Berchtold, president and CFO of Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.; Jack Groetzinger, CEO of SeatGeek; Jerry Mickelson, CEO and president of Jam Productions; Sal Nuzzo, senior vice president of the James Madison Institute; Kathleen Bradish, vice president for legal advocacy at the American Antitrust Institute; and singer/songwriter Clyde Lawrence are sworn in before the Senate Judiciary Committee January 24, 2023 in Washington, DC. The committee heard testimony on the topic “That’s the Ticket: Promoting. Competition and Protecting Consumers in Live Entertainment”, in the wake of problems surrounding access to ticket purchases for Taylor. Swift performances. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

“The way your company handled ticket sales for Ms. Swift was a debacle, and whoever in your company was in charge of that should be fired,” Republican Senator John Kennedy said at the time. “If you care about the consumer, cut the price! Cut out the bots! Cut out the middle people and if you really care about the consumer, give the consumer a break!” Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar remarked: “To have a strong capitalist system, you have to have competition. You can’t have too much consolidation — something that, unfortunately for this country, as an ode to Taylor Swift, I will say, we know ‘all too well.’”

The Justice Department also previously accused Live Nation of bullying ticket venues into using Ticketmaster back in 2019. Be on the lookout for further updates on Live Nation on HotNewHipHop.

Read More: Ticketmaster May Face Millions In Fines Following Bad Bunny Concert Backlash

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Travis Scott Requested To Be Dismissed From The Astroworld Festival Lawsuit, Saying He Shouldn’t Be Responsible For Safety Or Security Concerns

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After being named as a defendant in the hundreds of combined lawsuits stemming from the 2021 Astroworld Festival disaster, Travis Scott has at last asked out of future proceedings. According to Billboard, Travis’ attorney Daniel Petrocelli filed a motion to dismiss him from the suit on Monday, asserting that ensuring safety and security at live events is “not the job of performing artists” — even ones whose album tiles grace said events.

The motion reads in part, “Like any other adrenaline-inducing diversion, music festivals must balance exhilaration with safety and security—but that balance is not the job of performing artists, even those involved in promoting and marketing performances. Which only makes sense: Performing artists, even those who engage in certain promotional activities, have no inherent expertise or specialized knowledge in concert safety measures, venue security protocols, or site-design.”

Even so, the defense writes, Travis did make concessions to alleviate crowding issues when they were brought to his attention during the planning phase. “When, during festival planning, concerns arose about the risk of a stampede occurring in the festival site, the Scott defendants supported festival organizers’ efforts to eliminate that risk by agreeing to remove certain rides and other attractions at the site,” Petrocelli wrote. “Then, when the Scott defendants were told to end the show after Mr. Scott’s guest performer finished performing, they did just that—ending the show as directed.”

Travis is, of course, only one of the named defendants, which included Drake (who has also since requested dismissal from liability), Apple Music, Live Nation Entertainment, and the venue and security companies involved. The nearly 300 cases were combined into a single case in January 2022, and proceedings have have gone relatively slowly since. Scott, after a year out of the spotlight, returned to performing in 2022 and released the follow-up to Astroworld, Utopia, in summer of 2023.

Kanye West And Ty Dolla $ign Will Have To Tour Without The Help Of Live Nation

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Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign’s new album VULTURES 1 has performed surprisingly well. Given all of the controversy it sparked and debates over whether or not some of the songs could even legally be allowed on streaming, its performance is significant. It debuted at the top spot on the Billboard 200 holding off Yeat’s new album 2093. Every single song from the album also landed on the Hot 100 in its first tracking week. Four songs from the album remain on the Hot 100 this week. “BACK TO ME” at #97, “FUK SUMN” at #82, “BURN” at #63, and “CARNIVAL” at #2. “CARNIVAL” is expected to have a resurgence next week and challenge Beyonce’s “TEXAS HOLD EM” for the top spot.

Ye and Ty have had the chance to play the album live at various listening parties in the US and Europe. The pair also have a planned performance at this year’s Rolling Loud in Los Angeles next week. But as far as taking the album on a major tour, that could be difficult. That’s because Live Nation and AEG, two of the biggest tour promoters in the country who are nearly essential go going on tour, are refusing to work with them. It likely has to do with West’s past antisemitic comments and the controversial lyrics throughout the record. According to Hits Daily Double West’s agent is still trying to set up a tour without the promoter, but it’s a tall task.

Read More: Freddie Gibbs Needs Kanye West As Much As Kanye West Needs Freddie Gibbs

Live Nation Refusing To Assist In Kanye West Tour

Before their performance at Rolling Loud next week, Kanye and Ty Dolla $ign are hosting another listening party. That will take place on Sunday, March 10 in Phoenix. Fans are hoping that VULTURES 2 still comes out on time later this week. The original announcement that the album was being split into three volumes included part two dropping this Friday. While the pair have seemingly been working on music, it’s unclear if they’ve got an entire new album ready.

What do you think of the biggest concert promoters in America refusing to work with Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign? Do you think they’ll still be able to pull off a tour without them? Let us know in the comment section below.

Read More: What Is Kanye West’s Best-Selling Album?

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Cam’ron & Mase May Be Going On Tour Together Thanks To Wallo

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Cam’ron says that he and Mase are planning to go on tour and will be able to do so thanks to Wallo. During a recent appearance on the Million Dollaz Worth of Game podcast, Cam explained that they were having trouble organizing it so Wallo called up Shawn Gee, the President of Live Nation Urban, and put in a good word.

Cam’ron began by clarifying that their original plans for a tour did not fall through due to Mase. From there, Wallo calls up Shawn Gee live on the podcast and Gee remarks that he’d “put them on tour tomorrow.” Gee also suggests having them do their It Is What It Is podcast live at Roots Picnic next year and potentially put a set together.

Read More: Cam’ron And Ma$e Ink Massive New Deal For Talk Show

Cam’ron & Mase Perform In N.Y.C.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 28: Jadakiss ,Cam’ron and Ma$e perform Live At The Apollo Theater on January 28, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

Cam’ron later welcomed Gillie and Wallo on It Is What It Is, during which time he thanked them for helping put him and Mase together. “Thank you guys also for helping connect me and Mase, and putting this shit together for us,” Cam said during that interview. “To be honest with you, and we talked about this on Million Dollaz Worth of Game, we may not even still be speaking right now without your guys’ platform. So we want to tell you guys thank you so much. And you see what it led to [It Is What It Is], because Harlem n***as are gonna start hustling once we cool again.”

Cam’ron Discusses Touring With Mase

Neither Cam’ron nor Mase have provided further details on the possible tour. Be on the lookout for more information when it becomes available on HotNewHipHop.

Read More: Cam’ron And Mase Star In New “Only Money” Music Video Teaser

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Rihanna’s 2024 World Tour Deal Was Never Agreed Upon According To Source

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Just a couple of days ago, music fans were going to be getting something so exciting. We are talking about a Rihanna world tour. The Mirror ran a report saying that the R&B superstar shook hands on a massive deal with Live Nation. According to them, the deal was $20 million plus and it was going to be in 2024-2025. Additionally, she is also sitting on two albums.

Apparently, though, we had the wool pulled over our eyes. According to a recent article from Billboard, a high source says it is totally “bogus.” The $39 million contract never went through, meaning no tour dates were ever in place either. “No tour has been confirmed for Rihanna,” says the source.

Read More: Ty Dolla Sign Announces Kanye West Collab Album Listening Parties In November

It Is A Sad Day To Be A Rihanna Fan

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 09: Rihanna is seen on October 09, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Jackson Lee/GC Images)

Of course, there are reasons as to why this could never happen. Rihanna recently gave birth to her and A$AP Rocky’s second child, Riot Rose. On top of that, we all know how involved she is with clothing, makeup, and every other avenue. It is extremely disheartening news as music and RiRi fans will have to continue to be patient. At least she put on a terrific show at the Super Bowl last year.

What are your initial thoughts on this source saying that Rihanna’s world tour is “bogus?” If this remains true, should Rihanna fans be upset? Do you think she will ever go on tour, or drop another album ever again? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest breaking news around Rihanna, as well as everything else going on around the music world.

Read More: DJ Envy Trolled By Fans For Offering Free Chain In Resurfaced Real Estate Investment Clip

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Rihanna Has Reportedly Inked A $32 Million Deal With Live Nation To Kickstart Her Comeback, But Fans Aren’t Buying It

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Rihanna New York City 2023
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Despite Drake’s best attempt to rain on Rihanna and ASAP Rocky’s post-baby bliss (with a messy diss record), the pair remain unbothered. After the track was released, fans rushed to social media, hoping that the two would issue a response to Drake’s throwaway bars. Although they have yet to do so, that day may soon come. Rocky’s forthcoming album, Don’t Be Dumb, is nearly complete, and according to Mirror, Rihanna is gearing up for a significant comeback.

The outlet alleged that Rihanna inked a $32 million deal with Live Nation to kickstart her return. In the report, they suggested that the deal terms included a world tour. But with no album out, such a venture wouldn’t make sense. However, the publisher suggested that Rihanna will drop two new albums over the next two years.

Following her Super Bowl LVII halftime show performance, Rihanna told British Vogue she planned to drop a new album in 2023. However, her second pregnancy put that on the back burner.

“I want it to be this year,” she said at the time. “Honestly, it’d be ridiculous if it’s not this year. But I just want to have fun. I just want to make music and make videos. And I need the right background music with the visuals. I can’t just go shoot a video of me talking.”

Fans took to social media to react to the alleged news. Check out a few of them below.

Bruno Mars’ Tel Aviv Concert Was Canceled Due To The Ongoing Conflict Between Israel And Hamas, But Fans Aren’t Pleased

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Bruno Mars 2021 Grammys
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Thanks to his massively successful Las Vegas residency and other shows, “Versace On The Floor” singer Bruno Mars has been considered one of this generation’s greatest performers. Unfortunately, his Israeli fans won’t be able to witness his charismatic moves live as they’d hoped to do.

On Saturday, October 7, Mars was slated to headline his second show in Tel Aviv’s Park HaYarkon. However, the concert was canceled due to the ongoing conflict between the country’s forces and Hamas militants. The news was shared in an announcement on Live Nation Israel’s official Instagram page.

“Bruno Mars concert scheduled to take place tonight is canceled,” the note read. “All ticket purchases to the show will receive an automatic refund to the credit card through which the purchase was made. We stand with the residents of Israel, IDF fighters, and the security forces in these difficult moments.”

However, many fans weren’t pleased to read the message, and they shared their frustrations in the comments section.

“We want a show. We don’t want money!!” wrote one. “Until we managed to buy tickets for this show, and we waited months for it!!! There was already one show, and everyone who had to come today will not be able to enjoy it. Please make another show. This is not fair!! The dream is completely shattered.”

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“We deserve a show on another date. Some people have been expecting this. My heart goes out to all the residents and wishes for their safety🙌 ❤,” wrote another.

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“Why just not move the date?? Why cancel? Why have I been waiting for this show for two months? Why just smash the dream? Everything is ruined,” replied another.

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Bruno Mars’ first show, scheduled for October 4, did take place.

Bruno Mars is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Live Nation Is Removing Merch Fees For Club-Size Venues And Offering Artists A $1,500 Stipend

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Making a living as a touring musician can be a challenge, especially if you’re not a household name act who gets tens of thousands of fans out to every concert. Live Nation Entertainment, the parent company of Ticketmaster, recognizes this, and now they’re doing something about it.

Today (September 26), the company announced a program called “On The Road Again,” and if that reminds you of Willie Nelson, it should, as they’ve teamed with the country icon to launch the initiative. There are two major factors here that serve to help making touring a more viable commercial enterprise for musicians.

One is that at all of Live Nation’s club-sized venues (of which there are 77, as Consequence notes), artists will no longer have to pay fees to sell merchandise, which has been known to take as much as 30 percent of an artist’s merch sale income. The second is that Live Nation clubs are also “investing in developing artists by providing $1,500 in gas and travel cash per show to all headliners and support acts, on top of nightly performance compensation.”

They company notes, “By helping with these core expenses, we aim to make it easier for artists on the road so they can keep performing to their fans in more cities across the country.”

Nelson also said, “Touring is important to artists so whatever we can do to help other artists, I think we should do it. This program will impact thousands of artists this year and help make touring a little bit easier.”

The program will also provide “financial bonuses to local promoters that help execute at shows, tour reps that live life on a bus, as well as venue crew members that have worked over 500 hours in 2023.”

Learn more about “On The Road Again” here and watch the announcement video above.

Lil Durk Sued Over Fan Injury During His Concert

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Lil Durk is the latest rapper to face some legal challenges stemming from a particularly rowdy concert. In Durk’s case, he’s being sued by a young fan who was trampled during a recent show. According to All Hip Hop, the lawsuit was filed last month by the boy’s father Marcus Sloss and it also names Live Nation, iHeartRadio, and the venue that hosted the show as defendants. They’re reportedly looking for $50k in damages and legal fees stemming from the medical fees resulting from the incident and the trial itself.

The lawsuit stems from Lil Durk’s performance at 107.5 WGCI Summer Jam at the United Center in Chicago. During the show many in the audience falsely believed that shots had been fired, causing panic. In the rush for fans to leave the venue many, including the boy at the center of the lawsuit, were injured. The chaotic situation resulted in some scary stories for those trying to navigate the panicked crowd. The lawsuit claims that negligence and mishandling of the situation were present by the named parties. Check out video of the resulting panic at the show below.

Read More: Lil Durk Walks Out With Drake At LA “It’s All A Blur” Show

Injured Fan Sues Lil Durk And Live Nation

Lil Durk has a new song coming out with one of the breakout stars of 2023, Sexyy Red. The pair have a new remix on the way soon and they’ve been finding funny ways to tease it. They took a series of playful shots back and forth at each other on social media. The teases had fans buzzing over the upcoming track.

Lil Durk also popped up alongside plenty of other celebs at Beyonce’s recent stop in LA on the Renaissance tour. Celebrities absolutely piled on top of each other at the event and Durk ended up running into Jay-Z and Travis Scott while there. What do you think of the fans claim that Lil Durk and company are responsible for their injuries at the show? Let us know in the comment section below.

Read More: Lil Durk Shares A Picture Of Himself And Drake

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