Live Nation Australia Highlights 2026 Events Amid Legal Scrutiny
Sydney, 14 January 2026 – Live Nation Australia continues to dominate the live entertainment sector with a packed schedule of concerts and festivals, while facing significant legal battles in the United States over allegations of monopolistic practices and deceptive pricing.
Upcoming Events in Australia
Live Nation Australia has announced a series of events across major cities on 14 January 2026, featuring a mix of local and international acts. In Melbourne, performances are scheduled at TOPCOURT, The Night Cat, Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Forum Melbourne, and Hindley Street Music Hall. Sydney hosts shows at Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, Enmore Theatre Sydney, Darling Harbour Theatre ICC, and Qudos Bank Arena. Adelaide venues include Thebarton Theatre and Hindley Street Music Hall, while Brisbane features The Fortitude Music Hall. These events reflect Live Nation’s role in promoting diverse music experiences, including tours by artists like Counting Crows and TWICE.
Legal Challenges and Industry Impact
Live Nation Entertainment, the parent company of Ticketmaster, is embroiled in multiple lawsuits. The US Department of Justice, joined by 40 state attorneys general, alleges monopolisation of the live concert ecosystem, with a trial set for March 2026. Separately, the Federal Trade Commission and seven states accuse the company of deceptive pricing and facilitating ticket resales. Consumer class actions, including those related to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, highlight concerns over access and fees. Internationally, a Quebec court has authorised a class action over “abusive” service fees. Despite these challenges, Live Nation maintains its practices benefit artists and fans, with revenues reaching A$8.5 billion in Q3 2025.
Key Facts / Stats
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Active Lawsuits | 8 ongoing cases, including DOJ antitrust (trial March 2026), FTC resale allegations, and consumer privacy suits. |
| 2025 Revenue | A$8.5 billion globally, with strong Australian promoter rankings (e.g., Live Nation ANZ at top). |
| Upcoming Tours | BTS 2027 Australian tour (first in a decade), Counting Crows ‘Complete Sweets!’ (March 2026), TWICE sold-out shows. |
| Australian Market Share | Top promoters grossed A$605 million in 2025, with Live Nation leading international rankings. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main allegations against Live Nation?
The primary claims involve monopolisation of ticketing and promotion, deceptive pricing, and enabling scalpers to inflate ticket costs, potentially leading to structural changes like divestiture of Ticketmaster.
How does this affect Australian fans?
While lawsuits are US-focused, they could influence global practices, including ticket fees and access. Australian events remain robust, with Live Nation promoting major tours.
What is Live Nation’s defence?
The company argues its actions combat scalping and benefit fans, with investments in anti-bot technology and a denial of wrongdoing in all cases.