Lawmakers slam Live Nation's DOJ settlement and push for Ticketmaster breakup

Live Nation's DOJ settlement draws fire on Capitol Hill

The Live Nation and Ticketmaster antitrust case took a sharp political turn on Monday, May 18, when Congressional Democrats held what they called a shadow hearing to criticize the DOJ settlement that allowed Live Nation to keep ownership of Ticketmaster. According to Billboard, the proceeding was not sanctioned by Republicans, who control both chambers, making it an unofficial but pointed response to the deal struck earlier this year.

"Sweetheart deal" and worse

The language from the Democratic side was blunt. Sen. Chuck Schumer described the settlement as a "sweetheart deal," Rep. Jamie Raskin called it a "trivial and pathetic slap on the wrist," and Sen. Amy Klobuchar labeled it "a complete sellout." Lawmakers also cited reports that Live Nation hired Trump allies Kellyanne Conway and Mike Davis to lobby for the agreement.

The DOJ had originally pursued the antitrust case alongside state attorneys general, but settled out of the trial after just a few days in court in March, requiring Live Nation to scale back certain exclusivity practices while letting it retain Ticketmaster. Dozens of states rejected that deal and continued to trial, ultimately winning a verdict that found Live Nation liable for monopolizing the artist, venue and ticketing sides of the live music industry.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, one of those state attorneys general, testified at the hearing. He said the DOJ went quiet midway through the trial and "burned all the trust." His words were stark: "They bailed. They left us hanging."

Artists beyond the top tier are affected too

The witnesses included not just legal and political figures but also Franz Nicolay, keyboardist of The Hold Steady, who offered a view from working musicians. "The music industry obviously is always going to focus on the Taylor Swifts and Bruce Springsteens," Nicolay said, "but the monopolistic forces that control the industry equally affect the broad popular music middle class."

Rep. Raskin also noted that many performers declined to testify out of fear of retaliation, saying artists are "seriously afraid" Live Nation could take away their livelihood.

What happens next

The decision on remedies, including a possible forced sale of Ticketmaster, now falls to Judge Arun Subramanian. States are expected to file a major court brief later this week arguing for that breakup. Live Nation, for its part, has said it is confident the outcome "will not be materially different than what is envisioned by the DOJ settlement" and intends to appeal any unfavorable rulings. The live music and concerts landscape could look very different depending on what the judge decides.

Reps for Live Nation and the DOJ did not return requests for comment following the hearing.