DOJ and Consumer Suits Take Centre Stage
A federal judge has ruled that Live Nation and Ticketmaster must face an antitrust lawsuit filed by consumers. This comes after the companies attempted to have the case dismissed. Judge George H. Wu’s decision paves the way for the next phase of the legal battle.
The lawsuit, first filed in January 2022, accuses the ticketing giants of monopolising the live concert industry. It claims they have harmed consumers by inflating ticket prices and suppressing competitors.
Live Nation Faces Antitrust Showdown
Monopoly Claims Deemed Plausible
In the ruling on April 11, Judge Wu found the plaintiffs’ monopoly claims plausible. He accepted arguments that Ticketmaster controls about 60% of a specific submarket. That was enough to support claims of market dominance—essential in antitrust cases.
The decision comes as Live Nation and Ticketmaster also face a separate antitrust suit from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and 39 states, including Wisconsin.
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Widespread Political Support
An Issue That Unites America
The DOJ’s 2024 complaint called Live Nation a “cartoon monopoly.” The suit claimed the pair’s practices raise prices, block artist access, and leave venues with few options.
Former Attorney General Merrick Garland declared, “It is time to break up Live Nation-Ticketmaster.”
The case has united both sides of politics. Attorneys general from red and blue states—including Texas, South Carolina, California, and New York—have joined the DOJ’s effort.
“There’s not a liberal America and a conservative America. There’s the United States of America,” said New Republic journalist Timothy Noah.
Milwaukee Could See Major Shake-Up
Local Promoters Could Win Big
Milwaukee’s concert scene might change dramatically if the DOJ wins. Local promoters like The Pabst Theater Group and The Rave could benefit.
Live Nation owns a majority stake in Frank Productions, a major competitor to local venues. Frank Productions also books Summerfest’s big stages and plans to build a venue in the Deer District.
Losing the support of Ticketmaster’s revenue could hurt Frank Productions’ dominance in Milwaukee.
“They’ve Become the Largest Scalper”
Gary Witt, executive director of The Pabst Theater Group, told Urban Milwaukee, “They have in essence become the largest scalper in America.”
Witt said Ticketmaster profits by reselling tickets on its own platform, charging fees with each sale.
“For the Taylor Swift tour, they kept reselling and reselling and reselling tickets, getting a fee each time,” another industry source confirmed.
That business model, critics argue, drives up prices and limits access for fans and independent venues alike.
Taylor Swift Tour Sparked Outrage
Senate United After Ticket Chaos
Public frustration surged after the 2022 Taylor Swift “Eras Tour” ticketing disaster. The Ticketmaster system crashed. General sale tickets were cancelled.
The fiasco prompted a rare bipartisan U.S. Senate hearing. Lawmakers agreed something had to change.
“Fixing what’s wrong at Live Nation” became a shared goal for Democrats and Republicans alike, reported The Wrap.
DOJ’s Case Still Moving Forward
Judge Rejects Delay Tactic
Live Nation had pushed to delay the consumer case until after the government’s lawsuit. But Judge Wu denied that request earlier this year.
He noted that the only reason the consumer case stalled was due to “extremely unconscionable arbitration terms” enforced by Live Nation.
Arbitration Clause Shot Down
In 2023, a U.S. Court of Appeals rejected Live Nation’s arbitration rules. Judges called them “unfair to consumers” and “overtly beneficial to defendants.”
That ruling helped open the door for consumers to bring their claims to federal court.
DOJ Investigators Eye Milwaukee
Subpoena Rumours Circulate
Two sources told Urban Milwaukee that the DOJ subpoenaed the Pabst Theater Group as part of its investigation. The DOJ may seek financial records to support its case.
Gary Witt denied receiving a subpoena. But he said, “I know of others in our industry that have been served.”
The Rave and Eagles Club, also key venues in Milwaukee, may also be on the DOJ’s radar.
What’s at Stake in Milwaukee
Winners and Losers
If Live Nation is forced to separate from Ticketmaster, independent venues could regain ground. The Pabst Theater Group, The Rave, and even Potawatomi Casino—rumoured to be considering a venue—may benefit.
Frank Productions, which books many top-tier shows via Live Nation’s resources, would likely lose out. Summerfest could also suffer if Live Nation’s revenue stream shrinks.
The competition in Milwaukee’s live music scene could shift dramatically.
A Long Road Ahead
Court Battle Not Over
While the consumer and DOJ suits now move forward, final outcomes remain uncertain.
But one thing is clear: the spotlight is firmly on Live Nation-Ticketmaster. From everyday fans to powerful politicians, the chorus calling for change is growing louder.
The next act in this legal drama could change live music in America—and especially in Milwaukee—forever.
