Live music industry news

Ticketmaster incentivised TQ Tickets' touting operation, says former employee in fraud trial

public

Ticketmaster • 3 min read

Ticketmaster incentivised TQ Tickets' touting operation, says former employee in fraud trial

The fraud trial of former employees at ticket touting company TQ Tickets continues, with one defendant insisting that Ticketmaster knew about the firm’s operations, because they were using resale platforms then owned by the Live Nation ticketing company…

Chris Cooke • 23 Feb 2024

Viagogo to pay out £90,000 compensation in Swiss consumer rights settlement

public

Viagogo • 2 min read

Viagogo to pay out £90,000 compensation in Swiss consumer rights settlement

After six years of legal work by Swiss consumer rights organisation FRC, Viagogo has committed to make changes to its website in the country and to pay compensation to 807 ticket buyers who formally complained about the secondary ticketing company…

Chris Cooke • 21 Feb 2024

Ticket tout defendant insists he wasn't actively involved in his wife's fraudulent scheme

public

TQ Tickets • 2 min read

Ticket tout defendant insists he wasn't actively involved in his wife's fraudulent scheme

A director of ticket touting company TQ Tickets accused of fraudulent trading has told a court that he wasn’t actually involved in the business. He claims that he simply allowed his wife to list him as a director because she couldn’t perform that role due to an earlier bankruptcy…

Chris Cooke • 20 Feb 2024

Anti-touting campaign hails EU Digital Services Act going into effect as "a landmark moment" for the live sector

public

EU Digital Services Act • 2 min read

Anti-touting campaign hails EU Digital Services Act going into effect as "a landmark moment" for the live sector

Secondary ticketing platforms in the EU now have to comply with new regulations set out in the Digital Services Act, which began applying to all online intermediates on Saturday. Anti-touting campaign group FEAT says this is a “landmark moment” in the fight against for-profit ticket resale…

Chris Cooke • 19 Feb 2024

NTIA says nightlife faces cultural crisis after 400 club closures since 2020

public

NTIA • 2 min read

NTIA says nightlife faces cultural crisis after 400 club closures since 2020

The NTIA has again called for government support for the clubbing sector after revealing that nearly 400 clubs have closed since the start of the pandemic - the cost of living crisis and changes in student socialising are putting the sector under pressure…

Chris Cooke • 15 Feb 2024

As another grassroots venue closes, MVT renews calls for a ticket levy

public

The Chameleon • 2 min read

As another grassroots venue closes, MVT renews calls for a ticket levy

Nottingham’s Chameleon has become the latest UK grassroots venue to close, following warnings that it was at risk last year. Following the news, the Music Venue Trust has again called on the music industry and politicians took at at a levy on large-scale shows to support small venues…

Chris Cooke • 14 Feb 2024

Detailed plans submitted for permanent Printworks venue in London

public

Printworks • 2 min read

Detailed plans submitted for permanent Printworks venue in London

Property developer British Land has filed a more detailed plan for the permanent venue that will be opened on the site previously used by Printworks London…

Chris Cooke • 13 Feb 2024

AIF renews call for ticket VAT cut as Standon Calling cancels 2024 edition

public

Standon Calling • 3 min read

AIF renews call for ticket VAT cut as Standon Calling cancels 2024 edition

The Association Of Independent Festivals has again called for more government support for the festival sector after organisers of Standon Calling announced they are cancelling their 2024 edition after production costs "significantly increased again"…

Chris Cooke • 09 Feb 2024

SeatGeek sued in multi-million class action over ticket price listings in New York

public

SeatGeek • 2 min read

SeatGeek sued in multi-million class action over ticket price listings in New York

Following proposals for a US-wide law forcing ticketing platforms to show the full price of every ticket upfront, including booking fees, SeatGeek has been sued in New York for allegedly failing to follow existing laws in that state regarding how ticket prices are displayed…

Chris Cooke • 09 Feb 2024

US Justice Department requests more information in Live Nation investigation

public

Live Nation • 2 min read

US Justice Department requests more information in Live Nation investigation

Competition regulators at the US Department Of Justice continue to investigate allegations of anti-competitive conduct made against Live Nation and have reportedly sent new information requests as part of that investigation, which could still result in legal action…

Chris Cooke • 06 Feb 2024

Setlist Podcast: Universal and TikTok accuse each other of “bullying” and “greed”

public

TikTok • 4 min read

Setlist Podcast: Universal and TikTok accuse each other of “bullying” and “greed”

The collapse of licensing talks between Universal Music and TikTok, UK Parliament's 'Misogyny In Music' report that calls for new legislation to end the cycle of harassment and abuse in the "boys' club" industry, and more…

Andy Malt & Chris Cooke • 02 Feb 2024

AIF Sounds Alarm for VAT Reduction on Festival Tickets with '5% For Festivals' Campaign

public

Association Of Independent Festivals • 1 min read

AIF Sounds Alarm for VAT Reduction on Festival Tickets with '5% For Festivals' Campaign

The Association Of Independent Festivals is ramping up its calls for the UK government to reduce VAT on ticket sales with a new campaign launched at Festival Congress. Launching ‘5% For Festivals’, CEO John Rostron says that without urgent action we will see more festivals go out of business in 2024…

CMU • 02 Feb 2024

Live industry news including ticketing, venues, festivals and more