AG ​Bonta issued the following statement ahead of the start of California’s trial against Live Nation in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. IThe lawsuit alleges Live Nation’s strong domination over ticketing and concert amphitheater markets has allowed it to engage in a wide variety of anticompetitive behaviors that have harmed artists, their fans, and the venues that support them.

“Live Nation has manipulated the market and made itself untouchable by any competitor — not because it is better, but because it has created a monopoly. This is illegal, plain and simple, and artists, their fans, and the live venues that support them are hurting as a result. […] Live Nation harms fans through higher fees and a, frankly, terrible ticketing experience and threatens venues with loss of access to tours and artists if they don’t enter into long and exclusive agreements with the company. Add this all up and what do we get? Bad service, bad experiences, and higher ticket prices, all while Live Nation rakes in the cash. We look forward to proving our case and holding Live Nation accountable.” – AG Bonta