Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha announced on Mar. 9 that he has joined a multistate coalition in continuing the antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation, the parent company of Ticketmaster, for allegedly monopolizing the live entertainment and concert ticketing industry.
The announcement comes as several state attorneys general reaffirm their commitment to pursuing legal action against Live Nation, citing concerns over consumer access, artist opportunities, and rising ticket prices. The coalition argues that Live Nation’s market dominance has negatively affected both fans and performers.
“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,” Neronha said in a joint statement with other attorneys general.
The coalition also addressed a recent settlement proposal involving Live Nation, stating: “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.”
“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,” Neronha said.
States participating in this ongoing litigation include Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming as well as the District of Columbia.
