Story perspectives

Live Nation Execs Exposed for Price Gouging Concertgoers

3/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Internal messages between Live Nation regional ticketing directors Ben Baker and Jeff Weinhold from late 2021 to early 2023 show them mocking concertgoers and bragging about price gouging.
The messages were disclosed during an antitrust trial against Live Nation and its subsidiary Ticketmaster, with the U.S. Department of Justice filing in 2024 accusing monopolistic practices.
A settlement was reached recently, but numerous states plan to continue litigation against Live Nation.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. government initiated an antitrust lawsuit against AT&T in 1974, culminating in the breakup of the Bell System in 1984. This landmark decision led to the creation of seven Regional Bell Operating Companies, fostering competition in telecommunications. The ongoing antitrust trial against Live Nation echoes this historical context, as it raises similar concerns about monopolistic practices in the entertainment industry.

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Story summary

Internal messages between Live Nation regional ticketing directors Ben Baker and Jeff Weinhold from late 2021 to early 2023 show them mocking concertgoers and bragging about price gouging.
The messages were disclosed during an antitrust trial against Live Nation and its subsidiary Ticketmaster, with the U.S. Department of Justice filing in 2024 accusing monopolistic practices.
A settlement was reached recently, but numerous states plan to continue litigation against Live Nation.

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