[EDMTunes] Live Nation Antitrust Lawsuit Will Continue Under Trump

A recent federal ruling has allowed the US Department of Justice’s lawsuit against Live Nation and its subsidiary, Ticketmaster, to move forward, dealing a significant blow to the ticketing conglomerate. The lawsuit, filed in May 2024, accuses Live Nation of monopolizing the live entertainment industry and engaging in unlawful practices that stifle competition.

Lawsuit Details and Ruling

Recently, On March 14, 2025, US District Judge Arun Subramanian denied Live Nation’s motion to dismiss two critical parts of the antitrust case.

The “Tying” Claim:

This claim alleges that Live Nation forces artists to use its concert promotion services if they want to perform at Live Nation-owned venues. The judge is allowing this part of the lawsuit to continue. He believes there could be evidence showing that artists are coerced into using Live Nation for promotion.

Overall, the lawsuit alleges that Live Nation coerces artists into using its promotion services if they want to perform at its owned venues. This is called the “tying” claim. Judge Subramanian upheld this claim, stating that the evidence could show that artists are effectively locked into working with Live Nation due to its dominance in the large-amphitheater market. He emphasizes that if artists are indeed coerced into this arrangement, it could lead to a viable antitrust case.

State Attorneys General’s Standing for Consumer Damages Claim:

The judge upheld the right of state attorneys general to seek damages on behalf of consumers. Those who may have been overcharged due to Live Nation’s alleged anticompetitive practices in the primary ticketing market. This allows states to continue pursuing the case regarding potential consumer harm caused by Live Nation’s practices.

“If the evidence shows that promoters book venues on behalf of specific artists, that artists are the driving force behind which venues to book and when, and that artists are coerced into using Live Nation as their promoter if they want access to Live Nation’s amphitheaters, plaintiffs may have a viable tying claim,”

– Judge Subramanian

Altogether, The DOJ seeks to break up Live Nation and Ticketmaster, asserting that their monopolistic practices harm both consumers and artists. The outcome of this case can reshape the industry and impact how tickets are sold and promoted in the future.

A list of venues owned or operated by Live Nation:

1. The Forum – Inglewood, California
2. Hollywood Palladium – Los Angeles, California
3. Gorge Amphitheatre – George, Washington
4. The Fillmore (3 locations)
5. Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Morrison, Colorado (operated by Live Nation in partnership with the city)
6. Lakewood Amphitheatre – Atlanta, Georgia
7. Jiffy Lube Live – Bristow, Virginia
8. DTE Energy Music Theatre – Clarkston, Michigan
9. Verizon Wireless Amphitheater – Alpharetta, Georgia
10. BB&T Pavilion – Camden, New Jersey
11. Nissan Pavilion (now known as Jiffy Lube Live) – Bristow, Virginia
12. Hollywood Bowl – Los Angeles, California (operated by LA Phil, but concerts often booked by Live Nation)
13. Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion – Gilford, New Hampshire

Case Files

In summary, the antitrust case against Live Nation is moving forward after a federal judge denied the company’s request to dismiss key arguments. Overall, the case attacks methods the company uses to force artists to use its promotion services. Especially if they want to perform at its venues. Now, The U.S. Department of Justice and 40 attorneys general can continue to push forward and seek to break up the company.

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