#236

Issue #236

This week we spotlight resources for those impacted by the fires in Los Angeles, CA, showing once again how strong and supportive our industry is.

We also have NIVA’s new survey, funding opportunities for small venues, ticketing reforms and updates on Live Nation’s class-action lawsuit.

Credit: MUSICARES

Support and resources for LA fire victims ❤️‍🩹

Our hearts go out to all of our subscribers, their families, friends, and colleagues who have been affected by the Los Angeles fires. It’s no surprise that our industry has stepped up big time to help. From those on the ground volunteering their time and opening their homes, to those donating resources and money around the world, we thank you. Here are a few industry-related resources:

How you can help fire victims.

NIVA’s State of Live survey

NIVA is asking the independent live entertainment community to take its State of Live survey as it undertakes the first national economic research study of the sector. The survey is open now through February 18 and all independent venues, performing arts centers, festivals, presenters, and promoters are encouraged to participate, both for and not-for-profit. NIVA plans to release 50, state-by-state reports based on its findings on June 23, 2025.

A growing number of concert-goers are gambling on ticket prices. These bargain-hunting fans are happy to wait until the last minute, hoping for a great deal - and a great thrill - when scalpers or fans who can't attend suddenly drop ticket prices substantially right before the show. One bargain-hunter says, “It doesn’t matter who you’re going to see at a stadium for less than $15 bucks.”

Live Music Society has opened up its Music in Action grant application. The application is open to small (50-300 cap) venues committed to live music in the United States and must be completed by February 14 at 11:59 PM PT. Grantees can receive up to $50,000 to “to help venues engage with their audiences and communities through imaginative programs that bring people together with shared purpose.” More information, including the application is available here.

The UK government announced plans to combat ticket touting and protect consumers from inflated resale prices for live events. Proposed measures include capping resale prices at 30% above face value (vs the current average of over 50%), limiting the number of tickets individuals can resell, and increasing accountability for resale platforms. The government is also scrutinizing pricing practices like dynamic pricing to ensure transparency and fairness in the ticketing market. A public consultation on these proposals is open until April 2025.

Across the pond, New York introduced Senate Bill S276 proposing stricter regulations on ticketing, including banning bots, capping service fees at 15%, requiring ticket availability disclosures, and revoking licenses of resellers using bots. The bill also limits exclusive venue-ticket vendor contracts, enhances refund rights, and introduces fees for large-scale resellers. It has been referred to the Senate Investigations and Government Operations Committee for review.

A judge rejected Live Nation’s request to pause the consumer class action lawsuit against it while the DOJ’s antitrust suit takes place. The consumer lawsuit was filed in January of 2022, accuses Ticketmaster and Live Nation of charging artificially high ticket prices and was brought on behalf of a potential class of millions of original and resale ticket purchasers. Live Nation attempted to argue that the government case was “significantly more advanced than the consumer lawsuit” and therefore should proceed first.

Despite its fundraising efforts last fall, Burning Man 2025 may be at risk. In her year end update, Goodell reported that the non-profit is still $14 million short of its $20 million goal. It appears that the event will happen no matter the outcome, however ticket prices will be set based on funds collected. Some Burners have begun raising concerns over how the non-profit is using these funds including its alleged “administrative bloat”.

  • Danny Wimmer Presents: Chris Warnecke joined as a Senior Director of Ticketing. 

  • AEG Presents: SVP Susan Rosenbluth retired after 46 years; Weston Hebert named Vice President of Global Touring.

  • AEG Europe: Emma Bownes promoted to SVP, Venue Programming.

  • Live Nation: Milly Olykan added as Senior Vice President of Artist Development & Global Touring.

Have #peoplenews to share? Send it to us at [email protected]

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Lineups, Festival & Tour Announcements 

  • FIREAID, a benefit concert for Los Angeles Fire Victims will be an evening of music and solidarity. The event is being produced by Shelli, Irving, and the Azoff family, in conjunction with Live Nation and AEG Presents, and will take place January 30 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, CA. More details to be announced soon.

  • FestForums will host a night of music, hope, and support for victims of the LA fires at the SOhORestaurant & Music Club, February 13. The event is in conjunction with the Santa Barbara South Coast Firefighter Foundation.

  • Chris Stapleton and Jelly Roll will headline EA SPORTS Presents Madden Bowl at the Orpheum Theater in New Orleans, LA, February 7, ahead of the Super Bowl.

  • Halsey and Benson Boone will headline Sips & Sounds Music Festival, March 7 - 8 at Auditorium Shores in Austin, TX

  • Rolling Loud California announced A$AP Rocky, Playboi Carti, and Peso Pluma, March 11 - 15 at Hollywood Park in Inglewood, California.

    • Booking Agent Info researched the agencies behind this year’s star-studded roster and found CAA represents 19% of the lineup (up 5% YoY), WME held steady with 17%, and newcomers 33 and West captured 8%. 

  • BeachLife Festival returns to Redondo Beach, CA May 2 - 4, with Lenny Kravitz, Sublime, and Alanis Morisette.

  • BottleRock Napa will feature Green Day, Justin Timberlake, and Noah Kahan, May 23 - 25 at the Napa Valley Expo in Napa, CA.

  • Marshmello and Rezz are set to headline Force Fields, a new alien-themed EDM festival, June 6 - 7 in Cadott, WI.

  • Bonnaroo announced headliners Hozier, Olivia Rodrigo, Tyler, The Creator, and Luke Combs at The Farm in Manchester, TN, June 12 - 15. The fest will also debut its new, 360° Infinity Stage, billed as "the world's largest and most immersive 360° live music experience."

  • Field & Stream Music Fest has announced Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, Riley Green, Bailey Zimmerman, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, October 3 - 5 at Carolina Adventure World in Winnsboro, SC. Last year’s intended inaugural event was canceled due to Hurricane Helene.

Cancellations, Changes

  • Every LA music event that has been canceled or postponed due to wildfires (with ongoing updates); including events surrounding The Grammys, despite the event itself vowing to proceed as planned.

March 16 - 19 (Burbank, CA): The 25th edition of MUSEXPO, a global music business conference and artist showcase event.

  • Airlines are updating their inflight amenities. Delta SkyMiles members will get access to YouTube Premium in the air and United MileagePlus members will get free wifi via Starlink starting in the spring.

  • This “mega” festival has put up 160,000 tents and 150,000 temporary toilets in anticipation of 400 million people over its six-week run.

  • Behind the scenes of new indoor golf league TGL’s flexible green area, the most insane virtual stadium golf experience.

  • 52 Places to travel to in 2025.

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