From Music Business Worldwide · · 1m 40s
UK MPs Demand CMA Probe Live Nation's Market Power by 2026
UK politicians push CMA to investigate Live Nation's market dominance in live music before 2026.
In brief
UK politicians push CMA to investigate Live Nation's market dominance in live music before 2026. UK MPs urge CMA to launch full market investigation into Live Nation's control of 58% of UK concert tickets by end of 2026. Originally reported by Music Business Worldwide.
UK MPs push CMA
UK MPs are pressing the Competition and Markets Authority to launch a full market investigation into Live Nation's dominance in live music before the end of 2026.
Committee calls for probe
The House of Commons' Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Committee renewed the call on Sunday, citing Live Nation's 'dominance' across promotion, venues, festivals, and ticketing.
Committee chair urges action
Committee Chair Liam Byrne said Britain's live music industry should reward talent, not market power, and fans and performers deserve a fair deal now.
Live Nation's market share
The Committee found Live Nation controlled 58% of 23.1 million primary tickets for UK concerts in 2025, rising to 66% with affiliated companies.
CMA response timeline
The CMA plans for its Board to consider formal markets work in autumn 2026 and will update the Committee afterward.
Live Nation's defense
Live Nation rejected the Committee's conclusions, calling the report inaccurate and claiming it competes in a highly competitive market for tours, venues and artists.
CMA's initial assessment
The CMA said it would analyze the Committee's evidence and engage stakeholders to assess potential market harms before deciding on formal action.
Live Nation's market position
Live Nation claims it owns or operates 26 UK festivals, representing less than 5% of UK festivals, and market share estimates are inherently difficult and fluctuate yearly.
Here's the gist
UK MPs urge CMA to launch full market investigation into Live Nation's control of 58% of UK concert tickets by end of 2026.
