UK MPs urge competition watchdog to investigate Live Nation’s dominance in live music

A UK parliamentary committee is urging the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to launch a full investigation into the country’s live music market before the end of 2026, citing concerns over Live Nation’s extensive presence in concert promotion, venues, festivals and ticketing.

The Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Committee has renewed its call for regulatory action following a report published in May. The report described what MPs called a “climate of fear” in the industry, suggesting that the concentration of market power could restrict opportunities for artists, managers, independent promoters and grassroots venues.

The committee has been pressing the CMA to examine competition in the live music sector since controversy surrounding ticket sales for Oasis’ reunion tour brought renewed attention to ticketing practices. Despite the committee’s findings, the regulator has not yet announced a full market investigation.

A central concern is Live Nation’s vertically integrated business model, which includes concert promotion, venue operations, festivals and ticket sales through its subsidiary Ticketmaster.

According to the committee’s report, Live Nation directly controlled 58% of the 23.1 million primary tickets available for sale in the UK in 2025. When sales controlled by affiliated companies were included, that share increased to 66%.

MPs also raised questions about long-term agreements containing restrictive exclusivity clauses. The committee highlighted concerns that access to certain venues could be linked to participation in other events or festivals, potentially making it more difficult for independent promoters and artists to operate outside major corporate networks.

Ticketing data was another area of concern. The committee suggested that Live Nation’s control of ticketing infrastructure could allow it to retain customer information generated by events promoted by competing companies, with that data potentially used for marketing, promotion and event operations.

The report also addressed the slow implementation of a voluntary levy on arena and stadium tickets intended to support grassroots music venues. MPs said the industry’s limited adoption of the scheme had widely been attributed to Live Nation’s failure to introduce it.

Committee chair Liam Byrne said the live music business should reward artists and performers rather than simply favouring companies with significant market power.

“Britain’s live music industry should reward talent, not simply market power. We found a climate of fear, barriers for artists and grassroots venues missing out. It’s clear to us that the CMA must launch a full investigation for the simple reason that fans and performers deserve a fair deal – and they deserve it now,” Byrne said.

The committee is now writing to the CMA to request details of its next steps and a timeline for potential regulatory action. A full investigation has not yet been announced, and the concerns outlined by MPs should not be treated as findings of unlawful conduct. Further information is available in the VIP-News report.