Kid Rockappeared before the Senate Commerce Subcommittee this week to criticize the ticketing industry. He called Ticketmaster and its parent company Live Nation a 'cartel,' arguing the 2010 merger has harmed both artists and fans.
The hearing, titled 'Fees Rolled on All Summer Long: Examining the Live Entertainment Industry,' focused on ticket prices, resale practices, and the use of bots. Rock said independent venues have been squeezed, artists have lost negotiating power, and fans face ever-higher prices. He called the merger a failed experiment that benefits brokers and scalpers rather than the people who actually attend shows.
'I would implore Congress,' Rock said, 'this is important, to subpoena the contracts and deals between artists, promoters, buildings, ticketing companies, agencies, and vendors because, as I understand it, you will find mountains of fraud and abuse.'
Rock proposed specific reforms, including a cap on resale ticket prices, giving artists more control over ticket sales, and deploying technology to block bots. His testimony reflected the frustration of millions who watch tickets sell out in seconds, only to reappear at inflated prices.
During the hearing, Live Nation’s legal vice president rejected monopoly claims, stating the company supports artists, venues, and efforts to combat bots. Senator Marsha Blackburn highlighted internal emails suggesting Ticketmaster ignored bot activity to boost resale profits, raising questions about transparency and accountability.
'No artist should be forced to sell their tickets without a say in who sells them and how they are sold.' Rock said. 'What other business in America doesn't control or at least have a say in their own inventory? If artists had real choice, real competition would follow and tickets would end up in the hands of real fans at the prices we the artists set. It's no secret that this industry is full of greedy snakes and scoundrels,' he added.
While the focus was on the ticketing industry, Rock’s broader public profile has also drawn recent scrutiny. His Rock the Country Music Festival recently faced criticism from a number of artists pulling out of the lineup.
Related: Three Performers Drop Out of Rock the Country Music Festival as Controversy Grows
Bipartisan concern about ticketing practices was evident throughout the session, and Rock’s testimony gave voice to frustrations that have been building for years. By highlighting the challenges fans face and proposing concrete reforms, he positioned himself as a spokesperson for access to live music.
The hearing underscored the tension between corporate control over the live music market and the needs of artists and audiences. Rock ended his testimony with a rock-themed capper. 'So I'll close now with the words of one of my favorite rock bands, The Who, and say it as my sincere hope, we won't get fooled again. Thank you. Rock on.'
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