MPs have raised serious concerns about a “climate of fear” in the live music industry, calling for a full market investigation into potential dominance by ticketing giant Live Nation. The Business and Trade Committee’s report urges the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to scrutinise the sector, citing evidence that Live Nation controlled 58 per cent of primary ticket sales last year, rising to 66 per cent when affiliate companies are included.
The committee chair, Liam Byrne, noted that many contributors to the report requested anonymity, fearing repercussions for speaking out. “What particularly alarmed the committee was not just the scale of Live Nation’s market position… but the climate of fear we encountered,” he said, adding that this alone raised profound questions about competition in the market.
The report also highlights the failure to implement an industry-led levy on arena and stadium tickets to support grassroots music, which it attributes to Live Nation’s non-compliance. Additionally, the company’s use of long-term agreements with restrictive exclusivity clauses reportedly pressures artists to consolidate tours with Live Nation, limiting opportunities for rivals.
The call follows a recent CMA investigation into Ticketmaster, a Live Nation subsidiary, over its handling of Oasis ticket sales. That probe found the company failed to inform fans that standing tickets were being sold at two different prices without clear disclosure.
Byrne stressed that the UK’s live music scene is a national success story but said the evidence raised questions about fairness for fans, artists, venues and independent promoters. He urged the CMA to launch a full market investigation before the end of the year. A government spokesperson said vendors are required by law to be transparent about prices and that the CMA’s powers have been strengthened. The CMA said it is actively considering market work in this area, while Live Nation UK disputed the report, calling it based on inaccurate data and unsupported conclusions.
