Attorney General Peter F. Neronha announced on Apr. 15 that a jury ruled in favor of a coalition of 27 states and against Live Nation, finding the company illegally monopolized the live entertainment industry and concert ticketing services.
The outcome is significant because it addresses concerns over high ticket prices, limited choices for artists, and business practices affecting venues. The ruling could impact how concerts are priced and managed across the country.
Neronha said, “For decades, Live Nation has used anticompetitive tactics to make extraordinary profits off everyday Americans, but today that changes. The jury’s decision in our favor means that Rhode Islanders will no longer have to simply accept outrageous ticket prices, artists will have more options when touring, and venues won’t be coerced into business with this company. Rhode Islanders and Americans everywhere have always come together around culture, and the arts provide that little bit of joy that everyone deserves. While our federal administration may be looking the other way on antitrust matters, states continue to get real results for consumers across the country.”
The coalition included Rhode Island as well as Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah; Vermont; Virginia; Washington; Wisconsin; Wyoming; and the District of Columbia.
The decision marks a major development in ongoing efforts by state governments to address antitrust issues within major industries.
