and a tangled web of companies

The recent implementation of dynamic pricing for concert tickets has sparked significant backlash from fans, particularly during the Oasis reunion tour. The band claimed they were unaware of this pricing strategy, which resulted in ticket prices soaring by over £200 due to high demand. Ticketmaster, the largest ticketing platform globally, stated that pricing decisions are made by artists and promoters, not by them. However, the connections between Ticketmaster and its parent company, Live Nation, raise concerns about transparency in pricing policies. Live Nation, a major player in the live music industry, has extensive ties to various promoters, including SJM and DF Concerts, both of which are linked to Live Nation through ownership and directorships. This interconnectedness suggests a lack of competition in the market, as Live Nation controls a significant portion of ticket sales and related services. The Competitions and Markets Authority (CMA) is currently reviewing these developments to ensure fair trading practices and to assess whether Live Nation's dominance is harming consumers. The CMA's scrutiny comes in light of the merger between Ticketmaster and Live Nation in 2010, which resulted in the combined entity holding a substantial share of the UK ticketing market. With Live Nation's chairman indicating record ticket sales, there is growing concern about potential abuses of market power, particularly regarding excessive pricing and consumer rights violations. As the live music landscape evolves, the implications of such corporate entanglements on ticket pricing and consumer experience remain a critical issue. The ongoing review by the CMA may lead to regulatory changes aimed at promoting fair competition and protecting consumers from unfair practices in the ticketing market.