Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark announced on Mar. 9 that Vermont will continue its antitrust case against Live Nation, the parent company of Ticketmaster, for allegedly monopolizing the live entertainment and concert ticketing industry.
The ongoing legal action is significant because it addresses concerns about competition and consumer access in the live music marketplace. The case aims to challenge what state officials describe as harmful business practices affecting both artists and fans.
Clark said, “In May 2024, a bipartisan group of state attorneys general joined the U.S. Department of Justice to sue Live Nation for monopolizing the market for ticketing and using its monopoly power in the concert venue market to reinforce and protect that monopoly. For too long, Live Nation has raked in billions from a monopoly that has made it harder for consumers to see the artists they love, stifled artists, and increased the price of tickets for countless music fans.”
She continued, “The case against Live Nation is strong, and the state coalition is committed to holding the company accountable for its illegal behavior, protecting consumers, and restoring competition to this market. The settlement recently announced does not adequately remedy the harms to the marketplace for live music and to concertgoers caused by Live Nation. We are willing and able to stand with other partner states to continue litigating this case without the federal government so that we can hold Live Nation accountable in court and secure appropriate relief in this case.”
Clark added, “As state attorneys general and antitrust enforcers, we are fully committed to protecting our citizens from illegal monopolies and restoring competition to the live music marketplace.”
Other states joining Vermont include Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
A copy of the motion filed is available on Vermont’s Attorney General website.
