TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody has initiated legal proceedings to address alleged monopolistic practices in the live music industry. Alongside the U.S. Department of Justice and 29 other state and district attorneys general, Moody filed a civil antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiary, Ticketmaster LLC. The lawsuit aims to dismantle what they describe as monopolistic behavior that stifles competition, thereby restoring competitive practices within the live concert sector.
Attorney General Moody stated, “Live Nation’s monopoly on the music industry harms fans through higher fees and hurts artists and venues through lack of options. They leverage their extensive network of venues to force artists to select Live Nation as a promoter instead of alternatives. We are fighting to end these monopolistic practices and bring relief to Florida and fans who paid more than they would have in a competitive market for tickets.”
The complaint was lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. It alleges that Live Nation's actions violate Sections 1 and 2 of the Sherman Act by maintaining monopoly power unlawfully and engaging in long-term exclusive ticketing agreements with venues that block competitors. This conduct is said to deprive U.S. music fans of ticketing innovation, force them to use outdated technology, and result in higher ticket prices compared to other countries.
Furthermore, Live Nation is accused of using its dominance over performers, venues, and independent promoters in ways detrimental to competition. The complaint outlines how Live Nation's business model—referred to as its “flywheel”—reinforces its market position by capturing revenue from concert fans and sponsorships, securing exclusive promotion deals with artists, and signing long-term ticketing contracts with venues.
The coalition joining Attorney General Moody includes attorneys general from Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina Tennessee Texas Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming