Concert tickets have become insanely expensive. Hidden fees pile up. Fans wait for hours online just to be shut out. Millions of people feel like they’re being ripped off.

The Department of Justice sued Live Nation — the parent company of Ticketmaster — arguing the company has too much control over live music.

According to the government’s complaint, Ticketmaster handles ticketing for about 80% of major concert venues in the United States. The lawsuit originally sought to break up Live Nation and Ticketmaster.

Now, a tentative settlement would require some changes but would leave the company intact. 

This must be stopped!

When one company controls ticketing, promotion, venues, and even artist management, there isn’t real competition. Live Nation denies wrongdoing. But fans are still paying sky-high prices, and independent venues and artists have fewer choices.

Under President Trump’s administration, federal officials must decide whether to accept this settlement or push for stronger action. This is not a partisan issue. Americans across the political spectrum agree that monopolies hurt everyday people.

We are calling on the U.S. Department of Justice and the federal court overseeing this case to restore real competition in live music by breaking up Live Nation and Ticketmaster.

Music should bring people together — not squeeze them for every dollar.