Senators Target Live Nation as Ticketing Scrutiny Intensifies
The U.S. Senate Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Technology, and Data Privacy will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. ET, titled “Fees Rolled on All Summer Long: Examining the Live Entertainment Industry.” The hearing will take place in Russell 253 and will be livestreamed on the committee’s website and YouTube.
The hearing, chaired by Marsha Blackburn, will examine ticketing practices across the live entertainment industry, including service fees, resale practices, automated bots, and so-called “all-in pricing.”
Joel Thayer Calls Out Live Nation Monopoly
Ahead of the hearing, labour and antitrust advocate Joel Thayer posted on X, writing:
“@MarshaBlackburn and @tedcruz are holding Live Nation accountable on Wednesday. In my latest op-ed, I explain how Live Nation’s monopoly means fewer choices, higher ticket prices, junk fees, and worse service—just so everyday Americans pay more while one giant squeezes artists, venues, and fans.”
Ted Nugent Weighs In
Rock musician Ted Nugent quickly responded, amplifying criticism of the ticketing giant:
“Corrupt corporate middlemen thugs. Socialist price control anyone? When one company controls the stage, the tickets, the venues, and the fees, that’s called a racket. God Bless @TedCruz & @MarshaBlackburn are fighting for change!”
What the Hearing Will Examine
According to the committee’s formal notice, the panel will focus on unfair ticketing issues, including excessive fees, ticket-buying bots, and transparency for consumers. The title and scope signal a broader look at how costs are passed on to fans across both primary and secondary markets.
The hearing comes amid heightened federal scrutiny of Live Nation Entertainment and its subsidiary Ticketmaster. The company is currently facing two major federal lawsuits: one from the Department of Justice and state attorneys general seeking to unwind its Ticketmaster merger, and another from the Federal Trade Commission alleging deceptive resale practices.
Witnesses and Political Context
Scheduled witnesses include Trump ally Kid Rock, Live Nation antitrust executive Dan Wall, Brian Berry of the Ticket Policy Forum, and concert promoter David Weingarten representing the Colorado Independent Venue Association.
In a statement tied to the hearing, Senate Commerce Chair Ted Cruz made it clear the committee’s bipartisan push behind the TICKET Act, which would require ticket sellers to display the total price, including mandatory fees up front.
As federal agencies and lawmakers intensify oversight, Wednesday’s hearing is shaping up to be a major moment in the ongoing battle over ticket prices, transparency, and Live Nation’s dominance in the live entertainment industry.
