DOJ Probing Live Nation, AEG Over Concert Refunds
The live music industry took a massive hit in 2020, but it wasn't just the artists and fans who were left in limbo. Now, years later, the Department of Justice is turning its attention to the biggest players in the game — Live Nation and AEG. And they're not just asking questions — they're investigating possible criminal conduct.
A Delayed Encore for Pandemic-Era Policies
The heart of the DOJ's criminal antitrust probe lies in how Live Nation and AEG handled concert cancellations and refund policies during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to multiple sources, the investigation explores whether these entertainment giants may have illegally coordinated their responses, particularly concerning how and when to refund ticket holders for canceled shows.
Bloomberg first reported the investigation, which began under the Biden administration. Although the companies involved deny wrongdoing, the DOJ is considering whether there was any collusion — a potential criminal offense under antitrust laws.
What the Companies Say
Live Nation, which owns Ticketmaster and dominates both ticket sales and concert promotion, has pushed back against the idea of illegal collaboration. Dan Wall, the company's executive vice president of corporate and regulatory affairs, stated to the Hollywood Reporter, "It is not illegal for artist agents, promoters and ticketing companies to work together to solve the unprecedented challenges of a global pandemic."
He continued, "While Live Nation contributed to this industry effort in good faith, we set our own unique policies and refund terms to support fans and artists. We did not collude with AEG or anyone else."
AEG has not commented on the investigation, and the DOJ has also remained publicly silent.
A Legal Countdown
The timing of this investigation may be critical. There's a five-year statute of limitations on federal criminal antitrust violations, and because most of the pandemic-era decisions occurred in 2020, the window for filing charges could soon close.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the refund policy probe was a side consideration while the DOJ prepared a broader civil antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation. That suit, filed in May 2024, seeks to break up the entertainment giant, accusing it of monopolistic practices that allegedly harm consumers, artists, and smaller venues.
Politics, Power, and a New Board Member
In a parallel twist, Live Nation recently added Richard Grenell — a close Trump ally and former diplomat — to its board of directors. Critics immediately interpreted the move as a political strategy to gain favor with the current administration and fend off government scrutiny. Grenell, who lacks deep ties to the entertainment industry, is nonetheless seen as someone who might help navigate the high-stakes political environment surrounding the lawsuit and probe.
Live Nation insists the appointment had nothing to do with politics, stating to CNN that Grenell's public policy background and leadership will "help support Live Nation's mission to bring more live music to the world, while also advocating for industry reforms that protect both fans and artists."
What Comes Next?
Whether this criminal probe leads to formal charges remains to be seen. Not all investigations result in prosecutions, and Live Nation has already pledged to defend itself strongly if charges are filed. But the investigation adds another layer of pressure as the company faces increasing scrutiny from lawmakers, consumer advocates, and its own customers.
For fans, artists, and venue owners, this may feel like another chapter in a saga that's stretched on too long. But for the DOJ, it's a chance to answer a key question: Did these companies use a public crisis to protect profits at the expense of their audiences?
References: DOJ Investigating Live Nation, AEG Over COVID-Era Refund Strategies | Live Nation Adds Key Trump Ally Richard Grenell to Its Board Amid DOJ Probe | US Probes Live Nation, AEG COVID-19 Concert Cancellations
