- The Business and Trade Committee has urged the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to launch a comprehensive investigation into the live music industry, citing a "climate of fear" and concerns over ticketing giant Live Nation's market dominance.
- The committee's report revealed that Live Nation directly controlled 58 per cent of primary tickets sold last year, a figure that increased to 66 per cent when sales by its affiliate companies were included.
- MPs were particularly alarmed by the widespread reluctance of individuals to provide evidence openly, with many requesting anonymity due to fears of repercussions for speaking out against Live Nation.
- Further concerns highlighted include Live Nation's alleged failure to implement an industry-led levy to support grassroots music and its use of long-term agreements with restrictive exclusivity clauses, which reportedly limit competition.
- Committee chair Liam Byrne called for a full market investigation by the CMA before the end of the year to ensure fair competition for all stakeholders, a sentiment echoed by a government spokesperson and acknowledged by the CMA.
IN FULL
