The recent r/festivals discussion sheds light on why Live Nation has largely escaped a widespread boycott following the tragic Astroworld Festival crowd crush in 2021. The main reason fans cite is Ticketmaster’s stranglehold on live music ticketing—reportedly controlling about 70-80% of the market—which makes it nearly impossible for concertgoers to avoid their platforms if they want to see shows.
Commenters highlight Live Nation’s sheer dominance across the entire live entertainment ecosystem, likening it to “BlackRock” in music for its corporate power and reach. While some people share their personal boycott efforts, most agree that the company’s monopolistic grip undermines collective action.
Fans curious for deeper context are turning to documentaries like Netflix’s Trainwreck: The Astroworld Tragedy, a thorough and harrowing examination featuring eyewitness accounts, expert insights, and raw footage that expose the conditions behind the disaster at Houston’s Astroworld Festival.
Key Takeaways:
- Ticketmaster’s market dominance leaves few alternatives for buying concert tickets, limiting boycott feasibility.
- Live Nation’s vast corporate power spreads beyond ticketing into event promotion, venue ownership, and artist management.
- Documentaries such as Trainwreck provide a detailed look at the tragedy and the ensuing questions about accountability and live event safety.
Further Reading:
- Financial Times on Live Nation’s industry control
- Reuters on the US government’s lawsuit against Live Nation’s monopoly
- TIME’s overview of Trainwreck: The Astroworld Tragedy
Source: r/festivals