Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell said on April 15 that a jury found Live Nation, which owns Ticketmaster, violated state and federal antitrust laws following a multistate lawsuit led by her office. A federal judge will determine the penalties and remedies for Live Nation at a later date.
The case is significant because it addresses concerns about high prices and limited choices in the live entertainment industry. The verdict highlights the role of state attorneys general in enforcing antitrust laws when federal action is not taken.
“For too long, Live Nation has abused its power to drive up prices and harm fans, artists and venues,” Campbell said. “This verdict forces real accountability – lowering costs and sending a clear message that no company, no matter how powerful, is allowed to rig the market against consumers. This result also underscores something critical about this moment: when the federal government steps back, bad actors will not escape accountability from state attorneys general. This case is a clear example of states using their authority to take on powerful corporations and put people first.”
In 2024, Campbell joined the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) and attorneys general from 39 other states in suing Live Nation and Ticketmaster for monopolizing the live entertainment industry. The suit alleged these actions resulted in higher fees for consumers, fewer choices, and less innovation.
Despite the DOJ’s decision to settle its case against Live Nation earlier this year, Campbell—along with attorneys general from 26 other states—reaffirmed her commitment to prosecuting what she described as illegal monopoly practices by Live Nation.
Live Nation owns or controls more than 265 concert venues across North America—including several major locations in Massachusetts—and manages over 400 musical artists while controlling roughly 80% or more of primary ticketing for concerts through Ticketmaster.
Attorneys general from more than thirty states joined Campbell in pursuing this legal action against Live Nation.
