StubHub hit with its first (and likely not last) post-IPO class action

Just weeks after its much-hyped $758 million IPO in September, StubHub is being sued by investors who say the company misled them about its cash flow and overall financial health. The first federal securities class action, led by Glancy Prongay & Murray, targets the company’s registration statement and alleges StubHub failed to disclose changes in the timing of vendor payments that significantly hurt free cash flow — disclosures that only became clear in its first quarterly report as a public company, which showed negative free cash flow of $4.6 million versus a positive $10.6 million a year earlier. 

Since that earnings release on November 13, StubHub’s stock has fallen more than 50% from its $23.50 IPO price, prompting a wave of investigations and additional class actions from firms including Rosen Law Firm, Hagens Berman, Robbins LLP, and others on behalf of investors who bought in during the September 17 IPO window.

JLo and Tiësto land massive paydays for an Indian billionaire’s wedding

Jennifer Lopez and Tiësto reportedly earned seven-figure fees for performing at the ultra-lavish pre-wedding celebrations of Indian billionaire Anant Ambani and fiancée Radhika Merchant, according to a new report from Digital Music News. The multi-day event drew headlines for its over-the-top production, star-studded guest list, and sky-high performance checks — a reminder that private events remain one of the most lucrative corners of the live-entertainment world.

Judge allows Swifties’ lawsuit against Live Nation and Ticketmaster to move forward

A federal judge has ruled that a group of fans can proceed with their antitrust lawsuit over Ticketmaster’s handling of the Eras Tour onsale, rejecting an attempt to dismiss the case. The suit argues Ticketmaster’s market power and platform failures led to inflated prices and widespread chaos, meaning Live Nation will now have to respond to the allegations in full.

HeadCount celebrates its biggest “off year” yet

HeadCount registered more than 50,000 new voters in 2024 — its strongest non-election year to date — thanks in part to support from artists like Sabrina Carpenter, Tate McRae, and Brandi Carlile, who activated fans on tour and across social platforms. The organization credited artist partnerships and expanded digital outreach for helping drive record off-year registrations ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Propaganda Independent Venues launches with key UK acquisitions

A new operator, Propaganda Independent Venues, has officially launched and acquired TEG’s UK venue portfolio, taking over rooms including the Tramshed (Cardiff), Marble Factory (Bristol), and NX Newcastle. The group says it plans to invest in upgrades across the portfolio and operate the venues with a more independent, community-focused model.

Soundstorm introduces expanded women-only zones amid safety push

Saudi Arabia’s biggest festival, Soundstorm, is adding multiple women-only zones for its December 11-13 edition, following reports of harassment at past events. This year’s setup includes dedicated drop-off areas, direct-entry gates, exclusive viewing sections (some camera-free), five lounges, and a communal welcome center, plus discounted private transportation through a new Blacklane partnership. MDLBEAST says the upgrades are designed to ensure women can experience the festival “comfortably and on their own terms.”

Ticketing leaders turn to new tech over in-house builds

More ticketing operators are turning to Menta Tech as an alternative to building custom systems, with execs saying the platform lets them deploy major features in a few weeks instead of the 6–18 months typical of in-house builds. Leaders cited lower development costs, built-in anti-fraud tools, and the ability to scale quickly as key reasons for shifting to modular solutions amid growing regulatory and market pressures.

Savannah Bananas to launch their own secondary market

The Savannah Bananas are rolling out their own in-house resale platform in 2026, allowing fans to securely resell tickets at or below face value instead of using outside marketplaces. The team says the move is designed to keep more control over pricing, combat fraud, and make it easier for fans to access sold-out games without paying speculative markups.

Australian government pledges new funding for the live events sector

Australia is committing $25MM in fresh support for festivals, venues, and touring through a new industry package that includes grants for event delivery, regional programming, and audience development. The initiative aims to stabilize the sector after years of volatility and strengthen long-term growth, with applications opening early next year for the new funding program.

ICYMI

If you haven’t yet upgraded to All Access, here are some things you may have missed in November:

• The UK government actually banned ticket resale above face value, capping fees and forcing platforms to police scalpers — with NIVA calling for the U.S. to follow.

• Olivia Dean publicly shamed resale sites for “vile” prices — and Ticketmaster immediately agreed to cap resale at face value for her shows.

• Live Nation revealed that 70% of fans would choose a concert over sex, and international markets are on track to surpass the U.S. in fan count for the first time.

• Regulators ramped up pressure worldwide, from a Belgian probe into Live Nation’s Pukkelpop deal to South Korea’s crackdown on tax-evading scalpers.

• Sphere Entertainment posted huge revenue gains at The Sphere while still reporting a $100+ million quarterly loss across the company.

• StubHub’s first post-IPO earnings call triggered a stock plunge and a wave of class-action lawsuits over “misleading” statements to investors.

• VENU teamed up with Primary Wave to rethink the concert model, using catalog-driven, immersive shows across its amphitheater portfolio.

• End Overdose partnered with NIVA to equip indie venues with life-saving overdose-prevention tools, training, and free naloxone.

Upgrade to All Access to get the full breakdowns, numbers, and context each week.

• Mural is hiring a Partnerships & Events Director in Atlanta, GA. Salary: $176,000 – $220,000.

• BigID is looking for a VP, Global Events & Field Marketing in Atlanta, GA. Salary: $190,000 – $210,000.

• Live Nation is hiring a Runner and a Production Audio Engineer to support touring, backstage operations, and in-venue audio for upcoming shows in Denver, CO.

Last Week's Results:
Olivia Dean publicly shamed resale sites — and Ticketmaster immediately agreed to cap prices for her shows. 47% of BOH readers feel artist pressure is the key to fixing resale and works for artists who have the leverage.

Lineups, Festival & Tour Announcements 

• Guns N’ Roses will extend their massive global run with a 60-date world tour in 2026, hitting Mexico, Brazil, Europe, the U.S., and Canada.

• Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts announced a 2026 UK/EU tour kicking off next spring.

• Elton John has been tapped to headline Rock in Rio in 2026.

• Zach Bryan is jumping back to stadiums with a newly revealed 2026 stadium tour across North America.

• Sublime announced the inaugural date of its new Sublime Me Gusta touring festival, set to hit multiple cities in 2026.

• Igloofest revealed its 2026 headliners, including Alison Wonderland, Disclosure, and Deadmau5, with the full lineup now live on its site.

Back of House’s annual gift guide is here! We’ve rounded up some of our favorite items to give (and receive) this holiday season. 

For Event Pros on the road:

• A custom luggage tag to easily identify your gear;

• the ability to comfortably work-anywhere, including a cramped, dark office trailer;

• where everything is sunshine and rainbows.

For Event Pros at home (who are likely recovering from a busy season):

• A cookbook with some fresh ideas to break up the catering monotony;

• flowers that are always in bloom;

• and ways to display (brag-about) this year’s airline miles and gigs.

Stocking stuffers that won’t disappoint:

• An excuse for a pre or post-gig side excursion;

• an impromptu dance party (no excuse needed);

• our favorite, annual end-of-year read to reset and rejuvenate for the coming year.

• And the most requested item on every event pro’s list: a Gift Subscription to BOH 🎁

• When your brain forces you to slow down — on hitting the brakes before burnout really hits.

• A surprisingly cozy tuna salad with cranberries and walnuts that actually qualifies as “meal prep.”

• A rundown of the best inventions of 2025, from the delightfully unnecessary to the “how did we ever live without this?” tier.

• Jack White and Eminem teamed up for a Thanksgiving halftime show that turned Detroit’s game into a rock-and-rap flex.

• Oasis closing out their reunion run with “End of Tour” merch pop-ups in London and Dublin.

• Billie Eilish taking the tour experience to the big screen with a new 3D concert movie slated for 2026.

• What really happens when you return that pile of online impulse buys — and where all that stuff actually ends up…

Questions or comments?

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