Live Nation, Ticketmaster Close to Merger

Where critics see conflict of interest, Azoff spies opportunity

(NEWSER) - Irving Azoff may not be a household name, but he is, in fact, "the most powerful man in the music industry," writes Ethan Smith in a Wall Street Journal profile. The head of Ticketmaster—he made his name managing the Eagles in the '70s—is now trying to pull off his most brazen act yet: merging his company with concert promoter Live Nation. He insists it will save the industry, but also wonders, "Are we crazy to be trying this?" More»

Firm will be run by Live Nation's CEO

(NEWSER) - Live Nation and Ticketmaster made public their merger plans today, though the combined concert-promotions and ticketing powerhouse is sure to face scrutiny by antitrust regulators, the Wall Street Journal reports.The new company is to be named Live Nation Entertainment; it's estimated the two will save $40 million by combining operations. More»

Antitrust officials weigh concessions for Live Nation deal to pass

(NEWSER) - Concerned Justice Department are considering blocking a deal that would create a music industry behemoth—unless major concessions are made. Antitrust officials are worried about the effect the proposed Ticketmaster-Live Nation merger would have on consumer cost and may require the companies to make major concessions, insiders tell the Wall Street Journal. Opponents of the deal warn it could create "a virtual monopoly in the ticketing industry." More»

(AP) - A New Jersey congressman is demanding an investigation after Bruce Springsteen fans were unable to buy tickets from Ticketmaster's website—which promptly offered them more expensive tickets from a subsidiary. When tickets for Springsteen's Meadowlands show went on sale Monday, some fans attempting to buy them got an error message that shut them out. A TicketsNow ad offered tix for hundreds of dollars more than face value. More»

Live Nation deal sign of industry upheaval

(NEWSER) - Rapper Jay-Z is about to decamp from record label Def Jam and sign a $150 million deal with concert promoter Live Nation, reports the New York Times. The deal, Live Nation's biggest to date, will give the superstar financial backing for tours, his own record label and other related ventures such as talent consulting. It reflects the ongoing scramble in the music business as CD sales plunge and fans download more and more of their music. More»