Live Nation and Ticketmaster ruled a monopoly in landmark music industry case

A court ruling has officially declared Live Nation and its subsidiary Ticketmaster operate as a monopoly, a long-suspected reality now legally confirmed. The U.S.-based Future of Music Coalition, founded in June 2000 by musicians, artist advocates, technologists, and legal experts, hailed the decision as a brutal victory for everyone who loves music. The organization was established to ensure musicians have a voice in matters affecting their livelihood. The case highlights concerns about market control in live music and ticketing that have been observed for decades, with some noting a deterioration in the industry structure since approximately 1993. The ruling addresses the power dynamics between major corporate entities and artists' economic sustainability.