UK lawmakers urge Live Nation probe over competition fears

A crossparty committee of British lawmakers has called for a full market investigation into the live music industry, warning that a “climate of fear” is stifling competition and raising profound questions about the dominance of ticketing and promotion giant Live Nation. The House of Commons Business and Trade Committee released a report on Sunday urging the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to launch a formal probe before the end of 2026, citing evidence that the company’s business model is harming artists, independent festivals, and fans.

The committee found that Live Nation directly controlled 58 percent of the 23.1 million primary tickets sold in 2025, a figure that rises to 66 percent when sales by its affiliate companies are included. The report details how Live Nation uses longterm agreements with restrictive exclusivity terms, making access to its venues contingent on participation in its festivals and vice versa. Lawmakers said this practice incentivises artists to consolidate touring plans with the company and reduces opportunities for competing promoters and events.

A particularly alarming aspect for the committee was the widespread reluctance of industry figures...