Multinational Live Nation is dominating Australia’s live music industry: It’s squeezing out local competition by acquiring smaller independent operators.

Over 1,300 venues have shut down and major festivals have been bought out, cancelled, and closed. Now, a Four Corners investigation reveals how the corporation — and its ticketing arm Ticketmaster — are maximising profits at the expense of both consumers and artists.

Many musicians have been afraid to speak out against Live Nation for fear of the repercussions to their careers.

Reporter Avani Dias speaks to industry insiders and some of the country’s leading musicians who expose the company’s practices for the first time.
They’re calling on the federal government to step in and regulate live music to ensure the survival of Australia’s vibrant music scene.

CHAPTERS
00:00 – What was your first gig?
00:50 – Live music under siege
02:20 – Peter Garrett
03:12 – Live Nation
04:50 – Wave Rock festival
10:09 – Financial stake in every part of Australia’s live music industry
11:39 – Bad//Dreems
13:29 – Going on tour
14:10 – Making money as a musician
17:50 – Blues Fest
18:49 – Splendour in the Grass
20:02 – Government funding for Live Nation
22:24 – The fight to save small venues
23:05 – Oasis
26:05 – Dynamic pricing
28:02 – Ticket prices
29:20 – Inside charge
33:03 – What is the government doing?
34:05 – Barkaa
35:20 – ‘Cowboy industry’
35:40 – Promoters
38:38 – Taylor Swift
39:55 – Live Nation court case in the United States
44:26 – Importance of music

This episode was originally broadcast as ‘Music For Sale’ on 14 October 2024 on ABC TV and ABC iview.

Four Corners is Australia’s premier investigations documentary series.

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