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(THEME MUSIC PLAYS)
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(BAND PLAYS 'ONLY THE STRONG')
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(BAND PLAYS 'ONLY THE STRONG')
The first gig
that Midnight Oil played
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The first gig
that Midnight Oil played
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The first gig
was in a small surf clubby thing
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was in a small surf clubby thing
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on the coast of New South Wales.
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The first gig that I went to
by myself was Spiderbait.
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The first gig that I went to
SARAH THOMPSON: I was lucky
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SARAH THOMPSON: I was lucky
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to get to go to, like,
Grinspoon or Frenzal Rhomb.
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AVANI DIAS: Australia has
a proud history of home-grown music
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AVANI DIAS: Australia has
and a passion for live concerts.
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and a passion for live concerts.
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I was 14, 15 years old
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when I saw Billy Thorpe
I was 14, 15 years old
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when I saw Billy Thorpe
and the Aztecs.
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when I saw Billy Thorpe
(BAND PLAYS 'ONLY THE STRONG' OUTRO)
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(BAND PLAYS 'ONLY THE STRONG' OUTRO)
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(CHEERING, APPLAUSE)
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But the live music industry
is under siege.
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We're in an extinction event
right now.
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We're in an extinction event
And we have to beg for scraps.
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And we have to beg for scraps.
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(INAUDIBLE)
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While Australia's music festivals
and small venues
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While Australia's music festivals
are fighting for survival,
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are fighting for survival,
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a multinational company,
Live Nation, has crashed the scene...
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..sucking up profits
and taking over the industry.
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They use and, I would say, misuse
their market power.
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It's being accused
of using its business model
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It's being accused
to plunder competition.
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to plunder competition.
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Well, they fucked it up, basically.
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In this Four Corners
we reveal serious allegations
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that Live Nation
is ripping off fans
In this Four Corners
we reveal serious allegations
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that Live Nation
is ripping off fans
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that Live Nation
by charging hidden ticket fees
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by charging hidden ticket fees
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by charging hidden ticket fees
and exploiting some of the country's
most talented musicians.
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and exploiting some of the country's
most talented musicians.
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Now industry insiders
are speaking out
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in a last-ditch effort to save
Australia's live music culture.
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BARKAA: They don't care
about our stories.
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They don't care
how our music moves people.
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A country without its own music
is a country without a soul.
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I bet you've walked on this stage
many times.
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I have walked on this stage a few
times. That's absolutely correct.
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Peter Garrett,
the iconic Australian rock star
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Peter Garrett,
and frontman of Midnight Oil,
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and frontman of Midnight Oil,
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has graced stages with
his activist anthems for decades.
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('ONLY THE STRONG' PLAYS)
(CHEERING, APPLAUSE)
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('ONLY THE STRONG' PLAYS)
When you walk out onto stage,
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When you walk out onto stage,
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you're really wanting to respond
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to the music that's been written
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and the performances
to the music that's been written
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and the performances
that are around you.
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(SINGS)
# When I'm locked in my room... #
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And then you want to just share it
with the people in front of you.
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It's a very impulsive, reflective,
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sort of inner-burning thing
that happens.
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And it's about the connections
that you make.
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Today he's stepping up
with a dire warning
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about the world's largest live
entertainment company, Live Nation.
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It also owns
ticketing giant Ticketmaster.
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(ROCK MUSIC PLAYS)
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Live Nation's been fined hundreds
of millions of dollars in the US
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Live Nation's been fined hundreds
for fraud and overcharging customers.
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for fraud and overcharging customers.
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Here in Australia
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it's been increasing its power
for over a decade.
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it's been increasing its power
(ROCK MUSIC PLAYS)
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(ROCK MUSIC PLAYS)
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Spotify, TikTok, Live Nation -
(ROCK MUSIC PLAYS)
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Spotify, TikTok, Live Nation -
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these are global entities.
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They are not accountable
in our country.
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They are not accountable
in our country.
They are hardly regulated.
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They are hardly regulated.
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They are quite often unethical.
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They have no loyalty to Australia
or to Australian artists at all,
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and they are basically
calling the shots.
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and they are basically
We're at ground zero,
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We're at ground zero,
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and it has never been harder
We're at ground zero,
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and it has never been harder
for artists,
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but particularly younger and
mid-range artists coming through.
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Over a thousand Australian live
music venues have closed recently.
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Major festivals have been cancelled
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with a devastating effect
on grassroots artists.
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with a devastating effect
Peter Garrett's worried
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Peter Garrett's worried
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the combined effect of Live Nation's
Peter Garrett's worried
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the combined effect of Live Nation's
takeover and the rise of streaming
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the combined effect of Live Nation's
have led to that.
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have led to that.
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Without nurturing
your local artists,
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Without nurturing
who are now getting washed away
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who are now getting washed away
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in a tidal wave of, you know,
who are now getting washed away
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in a tidal wave of, you know,
sort of big companies...
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..we're finding out that we don't
have...we're not hearing our songs,
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we're not hearing
the things that connect us
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to the place that we're in.
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For me, that's a healthy country,
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you know, when we're listening
to OUR songwriters
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you know, when we're listening
and watching OUR performers.
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and watching OUR performers.
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I don't think Live Nation cares
and watching OUR performers.
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I don't think Live Nation cares
at all about Australian artists.
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I don't think Live Nation cares
(INSECTS CHIRP)
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(INSECTS CHIRP)
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PAUL SLOAN: It's a proper sort of
Australian bush experience, I guess,
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PAUL SLOAN: It's a proper sort of
in this place.
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in this place.
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This natural phenomenon
in southern Western Australia
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formed over 2.7 billion years.
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It's called Katter Kich
in the local Noongar language,
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It's called Katter Kich
or 'Wave Rock'.
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or 'Wave Rock'.
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And each spring
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it's the setting for a unique
independent music festival
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that's making a stand against
the corporatisation of the industry.
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that's making a stand against
(TOOLS BUZZ, WHIRR)
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(TOOLS BUZZ, WHIRR)
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This event is a sort of love show.
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You know, with all the talk about
festivals collapsing and stuff,
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obviously it's a tiny event,
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but I'm proud of the fact I can
announce it and sell the tickets.
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Paul Sloan's organised this festival
for 18 years.
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He's one of Australia's
top booking agents
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who helps big artists
land and put on live gigs.
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Nick Cave,
King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard,
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Nick Cave,
Amyl and the Sniffers, Bon Iver.
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Amyl and the Sniffers, Bon Iver.
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I'm about to do Thom Yorke
in Australia.
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Live shows are now the main
income source for musicians,
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with streaming platforms
making it so hard to make money.
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There's been a lot more disruption
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probably in our sector
than most other sectors.
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probably in our sector
than most other sectors.
But, certainly,
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But, certainly,
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I think that the consolidation
of the music business
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that's been going on
quite aggressively
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for the last few years,
I guess five years,
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for the last few years,
it's been noticeable.
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it's been noticeable.
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(CHATTER, LAUGHTER)
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This consolidation is being led
by US company Live Nation.
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(ROCK MUSIC PLAYS)
# Whoa, oh, oh, whoa-oh-oh!
This consolidation is being led
by US company Live Nation.
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(ROCK MUSIC PLAYS)
# Whoa, oh, oh, whoa-oh-oh!
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# Whoa, oh, oh, whoa-oh-oh! #
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MARK DAVYD: Live Nation
# Whoa, oh, oh, whoa-oh-oh! #
are making the most money.
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MARK DAVYD: Live Nation
are making the most money.
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Let's not hesitate to say that.
are making the most money.
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Let's not hesitate to say that.
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Let's not hesitate to say that.
# Whoa, oh, oh, whoa-oh-oh! #
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(ROCK MUSIC PLAYS)
# Whoa, oh, oh, whoa-oh-oh! #
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(CHEERING)
# Whoa, oh, oh, whoa-oh-oh! #
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(CHEERING)
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(CHEERING)
Their share price
has gone up and up and up and up.
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Their share price
has gone up and up and up and up.
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Their share price
has gone up and up and up and up.
Is that good for music?
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Is that good for music?
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Mm. Jury's out on that one.
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How has the entry of Live Nation
changed things?
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Well, they fucked it up, basically.
How has the entry of Live Nation
changed things?
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Well, they fucked it up, basically.
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They pay too much for acts.
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They don't care about
They pay too much for acts.
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They don't care about
whether they make a profit or loss.
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They don't care about
whether they make a profit or loss.
It's all about their share prices.
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It's all about their share prices.
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We first reached out to Live Nation
for an interview a month ago
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and spoke to the company's media team
several times
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before they declined
our interview request.
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before they declined
Then, without seeing our program,
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Then, without seeing our program,
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the company started spamming people
in Australia's live music industry,
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saying that our story was inaccurate,
unbalanced and had an agenda.
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Finally Live Nation responded
to our detailed questions
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Finally Live Nation responded
with a legal letter of complaint.
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with a legal letter of complaint.
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It also said it's proud
to have an office in Australia
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that champions local talent
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and fuels growth
in the country's live music industry,
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and fuels growth
creating thousands of jobs.
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creating thousands of jobs.
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(PLAYS GUITAR SOLO)
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There's a key supply chain
behind most concerts.
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There's the artist, their manager,
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a booking agent like Paul Sloan,
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and the promoter,
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which finances the show, organises
and the promoter,
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which finances the show, organises
venues, ticketing and marketing.
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In the past, many of those players
operated independently,
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and Live Nation
was one of the promoters.
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PAUL SLOAN: So, the other company
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that's similar to them here
and as aggressive, I guess,
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that's similar to them here
is TEG, which is Ticketek,
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is TEG, which is Ticketek,
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and they also own promoter interests
is TEG, which is Ticketek,
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and they also own promoter interests
and venue interests.
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Live Nation is operating
and they also own promoter interests
at such scale
and venue interests.
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Live Nation is operating
at such scale
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Live Nation is operating
that it's difficult
at such scale
to avoid them.
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that it's difficult
to avoid them.
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Which does then
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obviously cause disruption
inside the business,
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obviously cause disruption
you know, the lack of choice.
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you know, the lack of choice.
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(INAUDIBLE)
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Many revenue roads
lead to Live Nation.
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The company announced record earnings
of roughly US$23 billion last year.
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No other business
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has a financial stake in every part
of Australia's live music industry.
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has a financial stake in every part
So, Live Nation owns
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So, Live Nation owns
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Moshtix and Ticketmaster,
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it operates venues
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like the Palais Theatre in Melbourne,
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owns Anita's Theatre in Wollongong
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and Fortitude Music Hall in Brisbane.
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It owns Secret Sounds,
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the company behind festivals like
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Splendour In The Grass and Falls.
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It owns a major Australian
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booking agency, Village Sounds,
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which represents numerous artists.
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It owns touring companies
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and TSP Merchandising,
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which makes band merch.
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So, Live Nation
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can get paid numerous times
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for the one concert or tour,
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and a big slice
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of what you pay for as a fan,
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from ticketing to drinks and food
242
00:11:06,540 --> 00:11:08,260
to merchandise,
243
00:11:08,260 --> 00:11:10,260
that's vertical integration,
244
00:11:10,260 --> 00:11:13,220
and artists often don't know
it's happening.
245
00:11:14,180 --> 00:11:16,460
So, the Live Nation
vertical model is -
246
00:11:16,460 --> 00:11:20,060
I book a venue in Australia,
it's a Live Nation property,
247
00:11:20,060 --> 00:11:20,300
I book a venue in Australia,
so, whatever the venue charges are,
248
00:11:20,300 --> 00:11:23,340
so, whatever the venue charges are,
249
00:11:23,340 --> 00:11:23,580
an alternative agent or promoter
so, whatever the venue charges are,
250
00:11:23,580 --> 00:11:25,100
an alternative agent or promoter
using the venue
251
00:11:25,100 --> 00:11:27,980
is paying Live Nation
to hire the room.
252
00:11:27,980 --> 00:11:30,500
It's a Ticketmaster venue
because it's Live Nation venue,
253
00:11:30,500 --> 00:11:33,700
so, it's also
their ticketing business.
254
00:11:33,700 --> 00:11:35,740
The rights around the merchandise,
255
00:11:35,740 --> 00:11:37,460
any sponsorship money
for the venue...
256
00:11:37,460 --> 00:11:41,300
Obviously, if Live Nation
is also the promoter of the show,
257
00:11:41,300 --> 00:11:41,540
Obviously, if Live Nation
it's everything,
258
00:11:41,540 --> 00:11:43,500
it's everything,
259
00:11:43,500 --> 00:11:45,100
it's 100% of the income for the show
260
00:11:45,100 --> 00:11:48,060
is pretty much staying within the
walls of the company in some way.
261
00:11:49,500 --> 00:11:52,540
(TUNES GUITAR)
262
00:12:02,060 --> 00:12:04,100
ALEX CAMERON: We try to tell stories
263
00:12:04,100 --> 00:12:08,180
about the places
that we've grown up in and lived
264
00:12:08,180 --> 00:12:09,700
and Australian stories.
265
00:12:09,700 --> 00:12:11,700
(TESTS DRUMS)
266
00:12:11,700 --> 00:12:13,340
The music that backs that
267
00:12:13,340 --> 00:12:16,420
has always been
very rooted in the live setting.
268
00:12:16,420 --> 00:12:19,540
(BAND PLAYS HIGH-TEMPO INTRO)
269
00:12:27,260 --> 00:12:31,540
Many musicians are worried about
speaking out against Live Nation
270
00:12:31,540 --> 00:12:34,300
because of the repercussions
to their careers.
271
00:12:35,260 --> 00:12:37,940
But one Adelaide band, Bad Dreems,
272
00:12:37,940 --> 00:12:40,940
is taking the risk
after their most recent tour.
273
00:12:43,500 --> 00:12:49,460
For them, playing live shows
is a unifying, full-body experience.
274
00:12:52,220 --> 00:12:54,180
It's exhilarating,
275
00:12:54,180 --> 00:12:56,220
it's transcendent
276
00:12:56,220 --> 00:12:56,420
and, importantly, that experience
it's transcendent
277
00:12:56,420 --> 00:12:57,860
and, importantly, that experience
278
00:12:57,860 --> 00:13:02,700
is connecting not only with
your band mates but with a crowd.
279
00:13:02,700 --> 00:13:02,940
is connecting not only with
And, so, there's nothing else
280
00:13:02,940 --> 00:13:04,580
And, so, there's nothing else
281
00:13:04,580 --> 00:13:04,820
And, so, there's nothing else
that I have ever done
that's like that.
282
00:13:04,820 --> 00:13:06,260
that I have ever done
that's like that.
283
00:13:06,260 --> 00:13:06,500
that I have ever done
Yeah.
284
00:13:06,500 --> 00:13:07,260
Yeah.
285
00:13:07,260 --> 00:13:07,500
You get off stage with this,
for me, like a hugely elated feeling
Yeah.
286
00:13:07,500 --> 00:13:11,220
You get off stage with this,
for me, like a hugely elated feeling
287
00:13:11,220 --> 00:13:11,460
You get off stage with this,
as if you've almost been baptised
288
00:13:11,460 --> 00:13:12,900
as if you've almost been baptised
289
00:13:12,900 --> 00:13:14,100
because I'm soaking wet...
290
00:13:14,100 --> 00:13:14,340
because I'm soaking wet...
Mm. (CHUCKLES)
..and I'm so excited
291
00:13:14,340 --> 00:13:16,060
Mm. (CHUCKLES)
..and I'm so excited
292
00:13:16,060 --> 00:13:16,300
Mm. (CHUCKLES)
about what just happened.
293
00:13:16,300 --> 00:13:17,380
about what just happened.
294
00:13:17,380 --> 00:13:17,620
But, yeah, it was...
about what just happened.
295
00:13:17,620 --> 00:13:19,980
But, yeah, it was...
You wouldn't have it any other way.
296
00:13:19,980 --> 00:13:22,020
It's all part of the story..
He puts his heart and soul into it.
297
00:13:22,020 --> 00:13:22,260
It's all part of the story..
I give it a crack. Yeah.
298
00:13:22,260 --> 00:13:23,260
I give it a crack. Yeah.
299
00:13:23,260 --> 00:13:27,540
(PLAYS GENTLE MELODY)
300
00:13:30,220 --> 00:13:33,540
Rolling Stone
put Bad Dreems' debut album
301
00:13:33,540 --> 00:13:37,900
on a list of the greatest
Australian records of all time.
302
00:13:37,900 --> 00:13:38,140
on a list of the greatest
(BAND PLAYS MID-TEMPO ROCK MUSIC)
303
00:13:38,140 --> 00:13:42,660
(BAND PLAYS MID-TEMPO ROCK MUSIC)
304
00:13:42,660 --> 00:13:42,900
An opportunity came up to join
(BAND PLAYS MID-TEMPO ROCK MUSIC)
305
00:13:42,900 --> 00:13:46,700
An opportunity came up to join
booking agency Village Sounds
306
00:13:46,700 --> 00:13:46,940
An opportunity came up to join
owned by Live Nation.
307
00:13:46,940 --> 00:13:49,220
owned by Live Nation.
308
00:13:54,860 --> 00:13:56,340
They represent you
309
00:13:56,340 --> 00:13:56,580
and I guess, you know,
They represent you
310
00:13:56,580 --> 00:13:59,860
and I guess, you know,
shop your band to venues
311
00:13:59,860 --> 00:14:00,100
and I guess, you know,
for opportunities to play there.
312
00:14:00,100 --> 00:14:01,340
for opportunities to play there.
313
00:14:01,340 --> 00:14:04,860
They also fill the positions
for higher profile support
314
00:14:04,860 --> 00:14:06,100
so that you're playing
315
00:14:06,100 --> 00:14:08,340
much larger venues
than you would have otherwise.
316
00:14:08,340 --> 00:14:08,580
much larger venues
(BAND PLAYS MID-TEMPO ROCK MUSIC)
317
00:14:08,580 --> 00:14:11,500
(BAND PLAYS MID-TEMPO ROCK MUSIC)
318
00:14:14,060 --> 00:14:19,940
The band got booked for a headline
tour at Live Nation venues in 2023.
319
00:14:21,780 --> 00:14:25,380
It grossed about $100,000
of ticket sales,
320
00:14:25,380 --> 00:14:30,980
and we ended up with about,
I think, $9,000 in our bank account
321
00:14:30,980 --> 00:14:33,620
at the end after everything
had been accounted for.
322
00:14:36,380 --> 00:14:39,300
The tour was promoted
by a different company,
323
00:14:39,300 --> 00:14:42,500
but Live Nation
owned other businesses involved.
324
00:14:45,420 --> 00:14:46,820
Then we realised...
325
00:14:46,820 --> 00:14:49,260
Yeah, we were paying 10%
to our booking agent,
326
00:14:49,260 --> 00:14:50,820
there was a ticketing fee,
327
00:14:50,820 --> 00:14:52,940
then there were venue fees
328
00:14:52,940 --> 00:14:54,820
to the Live Nation-owned venues,
329
00:14:54,820 --> 00:14:59,580
and then those Live Nation-owned
venues were also taking a merch cut
330
00:14:59,580 --> 00:15:01,500
of the merch we sold.
331
00:15:01,500 --> 00:15:06,020
And, so, we were paying four times
to Live Nation,
332
00:15:06,020 --> 00:15:08,500
and we had no way...that wasn't...
333
00:15:08,500 --> 00:15:10,900
..we had no way of negotiating that.
334
00:15:10,900 --> 00:15:13,300
And, in fact, when we raised it
with our booking agent,
335
00:15:13,300 --> 00:15:16,020
they were just...they sort of...
the shoulder shrug.
336
00:15:16,020 --> 00:15:20,580
You know, a few thousand dollars
of merch fees
337
00:15:20,580 --> 00:15:24,460
is a pittance to Live Nation.
338
00:15:25,860 --> 00:15:29,460
It's a huge amount of money
for a band like us.
339
00:15:29,460 --> 00:15:33,620
And it's very difficult
to get answers
340
00:15:33,620 --> 00:15:35,860
or get alternative ways
of doing things
341
00:15:35,860 --> 00:15:40,140
once you're intertwined
in the industry.
342
00:15:40,940 --> 00:15:44,780
Live Nation told us
the economics of its business model
343
00:15:44,780 --> 00:15:48,660
follow the same industry practices
as its competitors.
344
00:15:48,660 --> 00:15:51,860
It claims bands approve the budget
for a tour,
345
00:15:51,860 --> 00:15:57,100
like venues, ticketing, merch fees
and the overall deal.
346
00:15:57,100 --> 00:16:02,780
I think we found it very hard
to find advocates or representatives
347
00:16:02,780 --> 00:16:04,260
who will...
348
00:16:05,940 --> 00:16:09,860
..be able to explain things to you
and advocate for you
349
00:16:09,860 --> 00:16:14,260
in contract matters
or financial matters.
350
00:16:14,260 --> 00:16:19,420
(BAND PLAYS HIGH-TEMPO ROCK MUSIC)
351
00:16:20,940 --> 00:16:27,060
Bad Dreems has now left Live Nation's
booking agency Village Sounds,
352
00:16:27,060 --> 00:16:29,300
but many other major
Australian artists
353
00:16:29,300 --> 00:16:29,540
but many other major
like Bernard Fanning and G Flip
354
00:16:29,540 --> 00:16:31,780
like Bernard Fanning and G Flip
355
00:16:31,780 --> 00:16:34,260
are still on the company's roster.
356
00:16:37,180 --> 00:16:40,700
Artists don't expect to be making
millions of dollars at our level
357
00:16:40,700 --> 00:16:40,940
Artists don't expect to be making
or even MAKING money.
358
00:16:40,940 --> 00:16:41,980
or even MAKING money.
359
00:16:41,980 --> 00:16:45,340
Like, we all have jobs
to support our music career.
360
00:16:45,340 --> 00:16:45,580
Like, we all have jobs
Over the time...
361
00:16:45,580 --> 00:16:47,180
Over the time...
362
00:16:47,180 --> 00:16:49,100
We started off very ignorant about
363
00:16:49,100 --> 00:16:49,300
how it works financially,
We started off very ignorant about
364
00:16:49,300 --> 00:16:52,020
how it works financially,
365
00:16:52,020 --> 00:16:53,620
which is obviously on us,
366
00:16:53,620 --> 00:16:55,540
but I don't think many musicians
367
00:16:55,540 --> 00:16:55,740
but I don't think many musicians
get into music
368
00:16:55,740 --> 00:16:57,060
get into music
369
00:16:57,060 --> 00:16:59,620
with a background
in any of that sort of thing.
370
00:16:59,620 --> 00:17:05,780
Overseas very few artists speak
openly about Live Nation's tactics.
371
00:17:05,780 --> 00:17:06,060
Every single step of buying
a ticket, going and parking,
Overseas very few artists speak
openly about Live Nation's tactics.
372
00:17:06,060 --> 00:17:11,180
Every single step of buying
a ticket, going and parking,
373
00:17:11,180 --> 00:17:13,140
going to the venue, seeing the show
374
00:17:13,140 --> 00:17:13,380
is owned mostly
going to the venue, seeing the show
by the same companies,
375
00:17:13,380 --> 00:17:16,140
is owned mostly
by the same companies,
376
00:17:16,140 --> 00:17:16,380
who kind of own each other as well.
by the same companies,
377
00:17:16,380 --> 00:17:18,180
who kind of own each other as well.
378
00:17:18,180 --> 00:17:21,860
So, it means
that price gouging is easy.
379
00:17:21,860 --> 00:17:22,140
So, it means
that price gouging is easy.
If they want to take 10%
of the revenues
380
00:17:22,140 --> 00:17:24,140
If they want to take 10%
of the revenues
381
00:17:24,140 --> 00:17:24,380
If they want to take 10%
and call it a 'facility fee',
382
00:17:24,380 --> 00:17:26,300
and call it a 'facility fee',
383
00:17:26,300 --> 00:17:28,420
they can and have.
384
00:17:28,420 --> 00:17:28,660
they can and have.
If they want to charge $30,000
for the house nut,
385
00:17:28,660 --> 00:17:32,620
If they want to charge $30,000
for the house nut,
386
00:17:32,620 --> 00:17:34,940
they can and have.
387
00:17:34,940 --> 00:17:37,340
And if they want to charge us $250
388
00:17:37,340 --> 00:17:39,380
for a stack of 10 clean towels,
389
00:17:39,380 --> 00:17:40,700
they can
390
00:17:40,700 --> 00:17:41,940
and have.
391
00:17:41,940 --> 00:17:43,620
JOE BERCHTOLD:
If Mr Lawrence and others
392
00:17:43,620 --> 00:17:46,140
are not getting the rate card
on the service fees up front
393
00:17:46,140 --> 00:17:47,860
and having that
made available to them,
394
00:17:47,860 --> 00:17:51,020
that's a problem on our end that
I'll look into coming out of this.
395
00:17:51,020 --> 00:17:53,260
THOM TILLIS: That seems like that
needs to be there on the front end.
396
00:17:53,260 --> 00:17:53,500
THOM TILLIS: That seems like that
needs to be there on the front end.
I agree with that.
397
00:17:53,500 --> 00:17:54,940
I agree with that.
398
00:17:55,900 --> 00:17:59,500
(BIRDS TWITTER)
399
00:18:03,780 --> 00:18:07,740
So, how many people
does it take to put on Bluesfest?
400
00:18:07,740 --> 00:18:14,060
During the event and the load-out
it's 2,600 people are getting paid.
401
00:18:15,900 --> 00:18:17,580
These empty fields
402
00:18:17,580 --> 00:18:22,460
are a powerful example
of the damage done to the industry.
403
00:18:22,460 --> 00:18:27,780
The iconic Australian festival
Bluesfest in Byron Bay is ending.
404
00:18:29,660 --> 00:18:31,860
Sad to say, it's the last one,
405
00:18:31,860 --> 00:18:33,380
but it doesn't have to be.
406
00:18:34,340 --> 00:18:38,860
Music festivals were once a thriving
part of the Australian industry.
407
00:18:38,860 --> 00:18:43,140
Now several have been cancelled
or shut down altogether.
408
00:18:44,100 --> 00:18:47,260
We're in an extinction event
right now.
409
00:18:47,260 --> 00:18:50,140
The people
are leaving this industry.
410
00:18:50,140 --> 00:18:50,420
The people
are leaving this industry.
Do we want to have our industry
be decimated?
411
00:18:50,420 --> 00:18:54,260
Do we want to have our industry
be decimated?
412
00:18:54,260 --> 00:18:59,140
And that is what I think
we are facing right now.
413
00:19:05,380 --> 00:19:09,180
Festival Splendour In The Grass
has run for over 20 years
414
00:19:09,180 --> 00:19:09,420
Festival Splendour In The Grass
also in the Byron Bay area.
415
00:19:09,420 --> 00:19:11,660
also in the Byron Bay area.
416
00:19:11,660 --> 00:19:14,940
Live Nation acquired it in 2016.
417
00:19:14,940 --> 00:19:21,580
(ROCK MUSIC PLAYS)
418
00:19:21,580 --> 00:19:24,580
Two weeks after this year's tickets
went on sale
419
00:19:24,580 --> 00:19:26,860
the festival was cancelled.
420
00:19:28,060 --> 00:19:29,660
In the last two years
421
00:19:29,660 --> 00:19:32,460
Live Nation has also shelved
422
00:19:32,460 --> 00:19:32,700
festivals at eight locations
Live Nation has also shelved
423
00:19:32,700 --> 00:19:35,220
festivals at eight locations
across the country,
424
00:19:35,220 --> 00:19:38,860
including Spilt Milk, Falls
and Harvest Rock.
425
00:19:38,860 --> 00:19:39,100
including Spilt Milk, Falls
(ROCK MUSIC PLAYS)
426
00:19:39,100 --> 00:19:41,860
(ROCK MUSIC PLAYS)
427
00:19:41,860 --> 00:19:44,260
(INAUDIBLE)
428
00:19:44,260 --> 00:19:49,220
Live Nation told us it's
strategically postponed festivals
429
00:19:49,220 --> 00:19:49,460
Live Nation told us it's
to ensure premium fan experiences
430
00:19:49,460 --> 00:19:52,380
to ensure premium fan experiences
431
00:19:52,380 --> 00:19:56,340
and that the company
is confident they'll return.
432
00:19:56,340 --> 00:19:58,700
Splendour In The Past,
as they're now calling it,
433
00:19:58,700 --> 00:20:01,140
is no longer with us,
434
00:20:01,140 --> 00:20:04,340
but you only had to look
at the shareholders' reports.
435
00:20:04,340 --> 00:20:04,580
but you only had to look
They were losing money,
436
00:20:04,580 --> 00:20:06,020
They were losing money,
437
00:20:06,020 --> 00:20:06,260
and I guess that's what happens when
They were losing money,
438
00:20:06,260 --> 00:20:09,340
and I guess that's what happens when
you're dealing with shareholders,
439
00:20:09,340 --> 00:20:09,580
and I guess that's what happens when
that you get jettisoned.
440
00:20:09,580 --> 00:20:11,300
that you get jettisoned.
441
00:20:11,300 --> 00:20:14,900
And I'm sorry to see that
because that was a great festival.
442
00:20:14,900 --> 00:20:15,140
And I'm sorry to see that
In September
443
00:20:15,140 --> 00:20:16,540
In September
444
00:20:16,540 --> 00:20:16,780
the New South Wales Government
In September
445
00:20:16,780 --> 00:20:20,580
the New South Wales Government
announced $500,000
446
00:20:20,580 --> 00:20:24,420
of emergency funding
to save large festivals.
447
00:20:24,420 --> 00:20:28,260
Bluesfest previously received
government funding,
448
00:20:28,260 --> 00:20:31,540
but Peter Noble
says it's not enough.
449
00:20:31,540 --> 00:20:36,900
It costs us about $15, $16 million
to put the event on.
450
00:20:36,900 --> 00:20:37,140
It costs us about $15, $16 million
If they gave us, say, 20% of that,
451
00:20:37,140 --> 00:20:40,420
If they gave us, say, 20% of that,
452
00:20:40,420 --> 00:20:42,820
that would give us the confidence
453
00:20:42,820 --> 00:20:47,860
that we won't lose money
in these times,
454
00:20:47,860 --> 00:20:51,620
or, if we do, it won't be so much
we can't continue.
455
00:20:51,620 --> 00:20:51,860
or, if we do, it won't be so much
We're not asking for a handout,
456
00:20:51,860 --> 00:20:54,180
We're not asking for a handout,
457
00:20:54,180 --> 00:20:59,380
but when I see important events
458
00:20:59,380 --> 00:20:59,620
basically put on
but when I see important events
459
00:20:59,620 --> 00:21:02,420
basically put on
by multinationals...
460
00:21:04,060 --> 00:21:06,340
..get grant money,
461
00:21:06,340 --> 00:21:09,900
I go,
"Well, I feel like the jilted wife."
462
00:21:13,540 --> 00:21:16,060
We wanted to find out
how much funding
463
00:21:16,060 --> 00:21:19,620
Australian governments
have given Live Nation.
464
00:21:19,620 --> 00:21:22,940
Documents we got
under freedom of information
465
00:21:22,940 --> 00:21:26,700
show the company received
tens of millions of dollars
466
00:21:26,700 --> 00:21:26,940
show the company received
in taxpayer-funded grants,
467
00:21:26,940 --> 00:21:29,180
in taxpayer-funded grants,
468
00:21:29,180 --> 00:21:33,460
like $5 million for music festivals
in New South Wales,
469
00:21:33,460 --> 00:21:37,340
some of which haven't gone ahead
for years,
470
00:21:37,340 --> 00:21:41,380
$30,000 for Spilt Milk in Canberra
that was cancelled,
471
00:21:41,380 --> 00:21:46,220
and $132,000
for a podcasting festival,
472
00:21:46,220 --> 00:21:46,460
and $132,000
which appears to have been abandoned.
473
00:21:46,460 --> 00:21:49,140
which appears to have been abandoned.
474
00:21:50,900 --> 00:21:52,660
The New South Wales Government
475
00:21:52,660 --> 00:21:55,660
told us grants were awarded
for those festivals
476
00:21:55,660 --> 00:21:59,540
because they had a proven
track record of delivering events.
477
00:22:02,500 --> 00:22:03,980
Live Nation told us
478
00:22:03,980 --> 00:22:07,260
it redirected money
for the New South Wales festivals
479
00:22:07,260 --> 00:22:07,500
it redirected money
to other events
480
00:22:07,500 --> 00:22:08,940
to other events
481
00:22:08,940 --> 00:22:11,220
and to retain staff during COVID
482
00:22:11,220 --> 00:22:14,020
and that all grant rules
have been followed.
483
00:22:14,020 --> 00:22:14,260
and that all grant rules
The company said the Spilt Milk grant
484
00:22:14,260 --> 00:22:16,260
The company said the Spilt Milk grant
485
00:22:16,260 --> 00:22:18,180
will go to next year's event
486
00:22:18,180 --> 00:22:18,420
and the podcasting festival grant
will go to next year's event
487
00:22:18,420 --> 00:22:22,020
and the podcasting festival grant
has been returned.
488
00:22:32,100 --> 00:22:35,380
The foot soldiers
of Australian live music
489
00:22:35,380 --> 00:22:37,420
are gathering to save the industry
490
00:22:37,420 --> 00:22:40,860
at a conference in Brisbane
called Bigsound.
491
00:22:42,100 --> 00:22:45,740
They've flown in Mark Davyd to help.
492
00:22:45,740 --> 00:22:45,980
ANNOUNCER: Can I please ask you
They've flown in Mark Davyd to help.
493
00:22:45,980 --> 00:22:48,220
ANNOUNCER: Can I please ask you
to put your hands together
494
00:22:48,220 --> 00:22:50,780
and give a big Bigsound welcome
to Mark Davyd?
495
00:22:50,780 --> 00:22:51,020
and give a big Bigsound welcome
(APPLAUSE)
496
00:22:51,020 --> 00:22:52,500
(APPLAUSE)
497
00:22:52,500 --> 00:22:54,420
Hi. How are we?
498
00:22:54,420 --> 00:22:54,660
In the UK he's leading the fight
Hi. How are we?
499
00:22:54,660 --> 00:22:58,020
In the UK he's leading the fight
to save small venues,
500
00:22:58,020 --> 00:23:03,500
while Live Nation's boasting of
record attendance at its concerts.
501
00:23:03,500 --> 00:23:03,740
It's, frankly, disgraceful
while Live Nation's boasting of
record attendance at its concerts.
502
00:23:03,740 --> 00:23:06,020
It's, frankly, disgraceful
503
00:23:06,020 --> 00:23:09,180
that the biggest companies in the
music industry are prepared to see
504
00:23:09,180 --> 00:23:11,740
small venues that get them
that talent closing down.
505
00:23:11,740 --> 00:23:12,020
small venues that get them
that talent closing down.
They should be ashamed of that.
They need to be called to account.
506
00:23:12,020 --> 00:23:14,900
They should be ashamed of that.
They need to be called to account.
507
00:23:14,900 --> 00:23:17,820
You put on
one of the first Oasis gigs, right?
508
00:23:17,820 --> 00:23:22,300
I put on the second show
of their Supersonic Tour,
509
00:23:22,300 --> 00:23:24,340
which eventually did 34 dates.
510
00:23:24,340 --> 00:23:25,700
Yeah, I didn't want to, though,
511
00:23:25,700 --> 00:23:29,460
but the agent insisted that we had
to have this other band on the bill,
512
00:23:29,460 --> 00:23:31,820
and I said,
"Well, who the hell are they?"
513
00:23:31,820 --> 00:23:34,060
And it turned out
that they were Oasis.
514
00:23:34,060 --> 00:23:38,140
Of those 34 venues where Oasis first
played, how many are still open?
515
00:23:38,140 --> 00:23:38,380
Of those 34 venues where Oasis first
11.
516
00:23:38,380 --> 00:23:39,380
11.
517
00:23:39,380 --> 00:23:42,940
23 have closed in the last 30 years.
518
00:23:42,940 --> 00:23:44,460
Would they ever have become Oasis
519
00:23:44,460 --> 00:23:46,740
if they hadn't played
those 34 shows?
520
00:23:46,740 --> 00:23:49,060
You've got to be bad
before you're good.
521
00:23:49,060 --> 00:23:52,820
Live Nation
is a shareholder company.
522
00:23:52,820 --> 00:23:54,420
It is an investment house, frankly,
523
00:23:54,420 --> 00:23:57,580
where people put money in
expecting a return.
524
00:23:57,580 --> 00:23:57,820
where people put money in
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
525
00:23:57,820 --> 00:23:59,260
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
526
00:23:59,260 --> 00:23:59,500
Live Nation's shareholders
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
527
00:23:59,500 --> 00:24:02,500
Live Nation's shareholders
include an investment fund
528
00:24:02,500 --> 00:24:07,460
controlled by the Saudi crown prince,
Mohammed bin Salman.
529
00:24:07,460 --> 00:24:11,260
Mark Davyd says Live Nation
only invests in an artist
530
00:24:11,260 --> 00:24:14,260
once they're famous enough
to drive profits,
531
00:24:14,260 --> 00:24:18,540
letting others take the losses
involved in developing them.
532
00:24:20,180 --> 00:24:25,100
We're talking...around the world,
generally around 1,500 capacity.
533
00:24:25,100 --> 00:24:25,340
We're talking...around the world,
At 1,500 capacity,
534
00:24:25,340 --> 00:24:26,780
At 1,500 capacity,
535
00:24:26,780 --> 00:24:27,020
the ticket price
At 1,500 capacity,
536
00:24:27,020 --> 00:24:29,420
the ticket price
and the number of people in the room
537
00:24:29,420 --> 00:24:33,620
will be sufficient to get you
to a profitable live show.
538
00:24:33,620 --> 00:24:36,740
If there is nobody developing
the talent from the ground up,
539
00:24:36,740 --> 00:24:40,340
expecting it to arrive
at 1,500 capacity
540
00:24:40,340 --> 00:24:41,820
and be able to sell out
arenas and stuff,
541
00:24:41,820 --> 00:24:44,460
that seems
a massive leap in the dark to me.
542
00:24:45,740 --> 00:24:49,540
Live Nation's recently bought venues
at that size,
543
00:24:49,540 --> 00:24:53,780
but told us it also promoted
over 900 shows in small venues
544
00:24:53,780 --> 00:24:54,020
but told us it also promoted
for developing artists
545
00:24:54,020 --> 00:24:55,380
for developing artists
546
00:24:55,380 --> 00:24:59,580
and that it runs programs
to help emerging musicians.
547
00:25:00,540 --> 00:25:04,180
Live Nation bought into this venue,
Fortitude Music Hall,
548
00:25:04,180 --> 00:25:04,420
Live Nation bought into this venue,
and it opened in 2019.
549
00:25:04,420 --> 00:25:06,300
and it opened in 2019.
550
00:25:06,300 --> 00:25:10,700
It's got a capacity
of about 3,300 people,
551
00:25:10,700 --> 00:25:14,460
which means it's the only venue
of this size here in Brisbane.
552
00:25:14,460 --> 00:25:18,620
And the company says it's filling
a much-needed gap in the market.
553
00:25:18,620 --> 00:25:22,980
That also means every gig of
that size that comes through Brisbane
554
00:25:22,980 --> 00:25:23,220
That also means every gig of
goes in this Live Nation venue.
555
00:25:23,220 --> 00:25:25,460
goes in this Live Nation venue.
556
00:25:25,460 --> 00:25:26,860
We've also heard
557
00:25:26,860 --> 00:25:32,140
that Live Nation has been trying
to buy other venues here in Brisbane
558
00:25:32,140 --> 00:25:32,380
that Live Nation has been trying
and it's vying for the rights
559
00:25:32,380 --> 00:25:34,300
and it's vying for the rights
560
00:25:34,300 --> 00:25:34,540
to build an arena
and it's vying for the rights
561
00:25:34,540 --> 00:25:36,820
to build an arena
for the Brisbane Olympics
562
00:25:36,820 --> 00:25:40,380
that could also host
major live shows.
563
00:25:40,380 --> 00:25:40,620
that could also host
(INAUDIBLE)
564
00:25:40,620 --> 00:25:44,340
(INAUDIBLE)
565
00:25:44,340 --> 00:25:46,460
Mark Davyd's pitching a solution
566
00:25:46,460 --> 00:25:46,700
to stop small venues
Mark Davyd's pitching a solution
567
00:25:46,700 --> 00:25:49,500
to stop small venues
from shutting down -
568
00:25:49,500 --> 00:25:53,380
a ticket levy, where a dollar
from every ticket for a major concert
569
00:25:53,380 --> 00:25:56,460
would go to a struggling part
of the industry.
570
00:25:56,460 --> 00:26:00,220
The UK Parliament
endorsed the concept,
571
00:26:00,220 --> 00:26:05,380
but asked companies like Live Nation
to be proactive in rolling it out.
572
00:26:07,060 --> 00:26:09,340
I think we can pretty clearly say,
573
00:26:09,340 --> 00:26:12,340
it doesn't matter how many times
they say they're prepared to do it,
574
00:26:12,340 --> 00:26:14,580
the will simply isn't there
to get it done.
575
00:26:15,940 --> 00:26:19,540
The first test for the company
to roll out the levy
576
00:26:19,540 --> 00:26:23,380
was when tickets for Oasis's
surprise comeback tour in the UK
577
00:26:23,380 --> 00:26:23,620
was when tickets for Oasis's
went on sale last month.
578
00:26:23,620 --> 00:26:25,540
went on sale last month.
579
00:26:25,540 --> 00:26:30,140
Live Nation won the contract
to promote the British band's reunion
580
00:26:30,140 --> 00:26:34,700
and used its company, Ticketmaster,
to sell the tickets.
581
00:26:35,940 --> 00:26:39,060
This is the first big one,
and they failed. Simple as that.
582
00:26:39,060 --> 00:26:39,300
This is the first big one,
There's no point in sugarcoating it.
583
00:26:39,300 --> 00:26:40,900
There's no point in sugarcoating it.
584
00:26:40,900 --> 00:26:41,100
415 euro for a standing ticket
There's no point in sugarcoating it.
585
00:26:41,100 --> 00:26:44,820
415 euro for a standing ticket
586
00:26:44,820 --> 00:26:47,140
because of fucking Ticketmaster!
587
00:26:47,140 --> 00:26:47,340
because of fucking Ticketmaster!
It's hell in there. It's horror.
588
00:26:47,340 --> 00:26:50,060
It's hell in there. It's horror.
589
00:26:50,060 --> 00:26:53,740
Live Nation and Ticketmaster
then faced a public outcry.
590
00:26:53,740 --> 00:26:55,620
£500.
Fuck off!
591
00:26:55,620 --> 00:26:58,580
Oasis fans waited hours
to get tickets.
592
00:26:58,580 --> 00:27:01,300
Once they finally got through
the online queue,
593
00:27:01,300 --> 00:27:05,420
prices were much higher
than originally advertised.
594
00:27:05,420 --> 00:27:08,180
They have gone ridiculously up.
595
00:27:08,180 --> 00:27:11,260
It's a concept called
'dynamic pricing'.
596
00:27:11,260 --> 00:27:14,940
As a show gets more popular,
its ticket price goes up.
597
00:27:14,940 --> 00:27:19,060
It's another way
Live Nation's making a killing.
598
00:27:19,060 --> 00:27:23,700
That's caused a huge, huge press
and media attention in the UK.
599
00:27:23,700 --> 00:27:27,340
And we have the UK government
now looking at dynamic pricing.
600
00:27:28,580 --> 00:27:30,780
It unlocked a public battle
601
00:27:30,780 --> 00:27:31,020
over who's responsible
It unlocked a public battle
602
00:27:31,020 --> 00:27:34,740
over who's responsible
for setting ticket prices.
603
00:27:34,740 --> 00:27:38,820
Oasis said it didn't know
dynamic pricing would be used.
604
00:27:38,820 --> 00:27:39,060
Oasis said it didn't know
Ticketmaster blamed the band.
605
00:27:39,060 --> 00:27:41,500
Ticketmaster blamed the band.
606
00:27:42,460 --> 00:27:47,300
Live Nation told us there's no
algorithmic surge pricing system,
607
00:27:47,300 --> 00:27:53,340
but the company offers artists tools
for them to understand demand.
608
00:27:53,340 --> 00:27:56,700
(SINGS) # I said e-e-e-e-h
o-o-o-h-h-h... #
609
00:27:56,700 --> 00:27:58,100
They say Live Nation and Ticketmaster
610
00:27:58,100 --> 00:28:01,460
are now using dynamic pricing
in Australia,
611
00:28:01,460 --> 00:28:04,340
most recently
for punk band Green Day's tour.
612
00:28:04,340 --> 00:28:04,580
most recently
(BAND PLAYS 'KNOW YOUR ENEMY')
613
00:28:04,580 --> 00:28:06,060
(BAND PLAYS 'KNOW YOUR ENEMY')
614
00:28:06,060 --> 00:28:06,300
# Do you know the enemy?
(BAND PLAYS 'KNOW YOUR ENEMY')
615
00:28:06,300 --> 00:28:09,340
# Do you know the enemy?
Do you know your enemy?
616
00:28:09,340 --> 00:28:12,020
# You gotta know the enemy
Rah-eh... #
617
00:28:14,180 --> 00:28:19,020
What's really frustrating music fans
is the rising cost of tickets.
618
00:28:19,020 --> 00:28:23,300
We've discovered Ticketmaster and
its Australian competitor Ticketek
619
00:28:23,300 --> 00:28:26,220
are secretly charging you
numerous fees.
620
00:28:26,220 --> 00:28:28,860
We've been leaked
confidential documents
621
00:28:28,860 --> 00:28:29,100
We've been leaked
revealing just how this happens.
622
00:28:29,100 --> 00:28:31,340
revealing just how this happens.
623
00:28:31,340 --> 00:28:31,580
For a gig at the Live Nation-operated
revealing just how this happens.
624
00:28:31,580 --> 00:28:35,380
For a gig at the Live Nation-operated
Palais Theatre in Melbourne,
625
00:28:35,380 --> 00:28:41,180
tickets over $65 are slapped
with a hidden service fee of $3.18,
626
00:28:41,180 --> 00:28:41,420
tickets over $65 are slapped
a hidden booking fee of $6.77
627
00:28:41,420 --> 00:28:44,940
a hidden booking fee of $6.77
628
00:28:44,940 --> 00:28:46,820
and a hidden credit card fee,
629
00:28:46,820 --> 00:28:51,500
which they curiously call
an 'infrastructure fee', of $0.13.
630
00:28:51,500 --> 00:28:55,220
That's roughly $10 in fees
you aren't told about.
631
00:28:55,220 --> 00:28:55,500
Ticketmaster then charges you
a transaction fee of more than $7.
That's roughly $10 in fees
you aren't told about.
632
00:28:55,500 --> 00:29:00,500
Ticketmaster then charges you
a transaction fee of more than $7.
633
00:29:00,500 --> 00:29:01,580
This one's public.
634
00:29:01,580 --> 00:29:03,540
If it's a Ticketmaster resale,
635
00:29:03,540 --> 00:29:06,620
that fee jumps to around $17,
636
00:29:06,620 --> 00:29:09,060
and you can pay up to $11
637
00:29:09,060 --> 00:29:10,340
for ticket insurance,
638
00:29:10,340 --> 00:29:11,980
depending on the gig.
639
00:29:11,980 --> 00:29:15,460
In total that's around $30 to $40.
640
00:29:16,460 --> 00:29:19,820
So, they're called transaction fees,
booking fees,
641
00:29:19,820 --> 00:29:20,060
So, they're called transaction fees,
service fees, infrastructure fees.
642
00:29:20,060 --> 00:29:22,380
service fees, infrastructure fees.
643
00:29:22,380 --> 00:29:23,860
There's, like, about 10 names
644
00:29:23,860 --> 00:29:24,060
There's, like, about 10 names
that have come out of nowhere.
645
00:29:24,060 --> 00:29:26,060
that have come out of nowhere.
646
00:29:26,060 --> 00:29:26,300
I used to run a ticket business
that have come out of nowhere.
647
00:29:26,300 --> 00:29:29,940
I used to run a ticket business
and I used to have a booking fee.
648
00:29:29,940 --> 00:29:30,180
I used to run a ticket business
It's the one name.
649
00:29:30,180 --> 00:29:31,220
It's the one name.
650
00:29:31,220 --> 00:29:34,100
And it was cheap,
and I still made money.
651
00:29:34,100 --> 00:29:34,340
And it was cheap,
And then there's often a fee
652
00:29:34,340 --> 00:29:36,540
And then there's often a fee
653
00:29:36,540 --> 00:29:38,860
called the 'inside charge'.
654
00:29:38,860 --> 00:29:39,100
Paul Sloan is one of multiple
industry people we've spoken to
called the 'inside charge'.
655
00:29:39,100 --> 00:29:42,980
Paul Sloan is one of multiple
industry people we've spoken to
656
00:29:42,980 --> 00:29:45,500
who can't get
a straight answer about it.
657
00:29:46,380 --> 00:29:48,620
And I say to venues all the time,
"What is the inside charge for?"
658
00:29:48,620 --> 00:29:50,380
And they say, "Oh, you know,
it's the inside charge."
659
00:29:50,380 --> 00:29:53,100
It's a multi-billion-dollar company
that can lose money
660
00:29:53,100 --> 00:29:55,660
because they're supported
by a ticket business,
661
00:29:55,660 --> 00:29:59,980
which is really charging money
for things that don't exist.
662
00:30:00,940 --> 00:30:04,860
We didn't find out
what the inside charge is either.
663
00:30:04,860 --> 00:30:06,500
We know that there's a fee there,
664
00:30:06,500 --> 00:30:10,460
and no-one has ever explained to us
what it entails.
665
00:30:10,460 --> 00:30:13,580
And as you go on and
you keep looking at the bank account
666
00:30:13,580 --> 00:30:16,420
and trying to work out how you're
going to record your next album
667
00:30:16,420 --> 00:30:17,780
or do your next tour,
668
00:30:17,780 --> 00:30:17,980
you do start to ask questions,
or do your next tour,
669
00:30:17,980 --> 00:30:19,460
you do start to ask questions,
670
00:30:19,460 --> 00:30:23,700
and the answers to those questions
are pretty hard to find.
671
00:30:23,700 --> 00:30:23,940
and the answers to those questions
are pretty hard to find.
On the ticket prices,
672
00:30:23,940 --> 00:30:25,300
On the ticket prices,
673
00:30:25,300 --> 00:30:25,540
because Live Nation says
On the ticket prices,
674
00:30:25,540 --> 00:30:28,100
because Live Nation says
the artist sets the ticket price
675
00:30:28,100 --> 00:30:28,340
because Live Nation says
and gets the majority of that share,
676
00:30:28,340 --> 00:30:29,700
and gets the majority of that share,
677
00:30:29,700 --> 00:30:30,740
is that true?
678
00:30:32,500 --> 00:30:38,020
The artist does set a range
of ticket price to where it is.
679
00:30:39,300 --> 00:30:43,220
The artist doesn't set
the booking fee,
680
00:30:43,220 --> 00:30:48,380
doesn't set any other hidden fees
that exist within that ticket price,
681
00:30:48,380 --> 00:30:51,740
of which
there are plenty of examples.
682
00:30:51,740 --> 00:30:56,100
So, the artist
is not receiving that amount
683
00:30:56,100 --> 00:30:58,620
that's reflected
in the ticket price.
684
00:30:59,900 --> 00:31:02,780
Live Nation
said Ticketmaster doesn't set fees,
685
00:31:02,780 --> 00:31:07,540
but venues do to cover costs
for the venue and ticketing company.
686
00:31:07,540 --> 00:31:10,380
It said Ticketmaster
discloses certain fees,
687
00:31:10,380 --> 00:31:13,940
which support services like
"tech development and innovation,
688
00:31:13,940 --> 00:31:16,940
"customer service, security
and compliance,"
689
00:31:16,940 --> 00:31:21,100
and the cost of touring has
"dramatically increased after COVID,"
690
00:31:21,100 --> 00:31:26,500
so, "ticket prices need to compensate
touring artists" for that.
691
00:31:27,900 --> 00:31:30,140
Live Nation own the venues,
692
00:31:30,140 --> 00:31:30,380
they are the promoters
and they own the ticket company.
Live Nation own the venues,
693
00:31:30,380 --> 00:31:33,540
they are the promoters
and they own the ticket company.
694
00:31:33,540 --> 00:31:35,060
Put those three things together
695
00:31:35,060 --> 00:31:36,260
and they are controlling
696
00:31:36,260 --> 00:31:36,460
and they are controlling
what the tickets are.
697
00:31:36,460 --> 00:31:37,740
what the tickets are.
698
00:31:38,700 --> 00:31:43,500
Rival Ticketek told us that any fees
are for the investment in services
699
00:31:43,500 --> 00:31:47,460
to improve
consumer ticketing experiences.
700
00:31:48,420 --> 00:31:52,700
(SINGS) # Oh, oh!
The power and the passion... #
701
00:31:52,700 --> 00:31:56,980
Midnight Oil is one of Australia's
most successful rock bands,
702
00:31:56,980 --> 00:31:59,740
selling out gigs
in the US and Europe.
703
00:31:59,740 --> 00:31:59,980
selling out gigs
# Oh, the power and the passion... #
704
00:31:59,980 --> 00:32:03,580
# Oh, the power and the passion... #
705
00:32:03,580 --> 00:32:07,260
We've had to play at Live Nation
venues in cities in America
706
00:32:07,260 --> 00:32:08,740
'cause there are no other venues
707
00:32:08,740 --> 00:32:11,220
because Live Nation
has them all tied up.
708
00:32:11,220 --> 00:32:14,380
We're not at the point
of where the US is.
709
00:32:14,380 --> 00:32:15,740
What will that mean for Australia?
710
00:32:15,740 --> 00:32:18,780
Well, it will mean increased
ticket prices, for starters.
711
00:32:18,780 --> 00:32:19,020
Well, it will mean increased
It will mean a lack of diversity
712
00:32:19,020 --> 00:32:21,260
It will mean a lack of diversity
713
00:32:21,260 --> 00:32:26,100
in the way
in which people are presented.
714
00:32:26,100 --> 00:32:29,420
But, most importantly,
it will be a lack of competition.
715
00:32:29,420 --> 00:32:32,900
We've seen more than 1,300
small venues in Australia
716
00:32:32,900 --> 00:32:34,740
shut down
in the last couple of years.
717
00:32:34,740 --> 00:32:38,820
How does that make you feel
seeing those small venues shut?
718
00:32:38,820 --> 00:32:41,140
I think it's terrible that
the small venues have closed down.
719
00:32:41,140 --> 00:32:43,420
I mean, that's where people
of my generation,
720
00:32:43,420 --> 00:32:46,140
musicians of my generation,
that's...
721
00:32:46,140 --> 00:32:46,380
musicians of my generation,
I mean, we never would have emerged
722
00:32:46,380 --> 00:32:47,620
I mean, we never would have emerged
723
00:32:47,620 --> 00:32:47,860
if we couldn't have played in small
I mean, we never would have emerged
724
00:32:47,860 --> 00:32:50,100
if we couldn't have played in small
venues. That's the truth of it.
725
00:32:50,100 --> 00:32:54,580
I would say that the best way for me
to describe how I feel about it
726
00:32:54,580 --> 00:32:57,140
is that I'm a cultural patriot,
you know,
727
00:32:57,140 --> 00:32:59,500
and I believe
that we need to make sure
728
00:32:59,500 --> 00:32:59,740
and I believe
that governments have rules in place
729
00:32:59,740 --> 00:33:02,460
that governments have rules in place
730
00:33:02,460 --> 00:33:05,260
to protect and nourish
Australian artists,
731
00:33:05,260 --> 00:33:05,500
to protect and nourish
and their Australian fans
732
00:33:05,500 --> 00:33:07,540
and their Australian fans
733
00:33:07,540 --> 00:33:07,780
get the opportunity
and their Australian fans
734
00:33:07,780 --> 00:33:10,460
get the opportunity
and do take up that opportunity
735
00:33:10,460 --> 00:33:10,700
get the opportunity
to support them as well.
736
00:33:10,700 --> 00:33:12,300
to support them as well.
737
00:33:12,300 --> 00:33:14,780
And at the moment
that's not happening.
738
00:33:14,780 --> 00:33:19,540
Australia's Arts Minister
has put Live Nation on notice.
739
00:33:19,540 --> 00:33:19,780
I don't think there's any doubt
Australia's Arts Minister
has put Live Nation on notice.
740
00:33:19,780 --> 00:33:22,060
I don't think there's any doubt
741
00:33:22,060 --> 00:33:25,260
that we are heading down a pathway
742
00:33:25,260 --> 00:33:28,340
where these sorts
of anti-competitive risks
743
00:33:28,340 --> 00:33:28,620
where these sorts
of anti-competitive risks
are going to exist
within the music sector,
744
00:33:28,620 --> 00:33:32,100
are going to exist
within the music sector,
745
00:33:32,100 --> 00:33:35,900
so, I put down a very clear warning
746
00:33:35,900 --> 00:33:37,380
to the companies on that.
747
00:33:37,380 --> 00:33:41,380
Yes, you can buy different parts
of a supply chain.
748
00:33:41,380 --> 00:33:42,660
That's all true.
749
00:33:42,660 --> 00:33:46,380
But you can't then use that
in an anti-competitive way.
750
00:33:46,380 --> 00:33:49,380
And increasingly
we are hearing those complaints
751
00:33:49,380 --> 00:33:52,980
from artists,
from venues, from festivals.
752
00:33:52,980 --> 00:33:56,420
One thing that Live Nation is doing
here, like it is in other countries,
753
00:33:56,420 --> 00:33:56,660
One thing that Live Nation is doing
is using dynamic pricing.
754
00:33:56,660 --> 00:33:57,980
is using dynamic pricing.
755
00:33:57,980 --> 00:34:01,540
It's being investigated in the UK.
Should it be allowed in Australia?
756
00:34:01,540 --> 00:34:04,740
Surge pricing
is something that, as consumers,
757
00:34:04,740 --> 00:34:06,100
people have always dealt with.
758
00:34:06,100 --> 00:34:08,260
I don't love it, but I think
we have to be realistic,
759
00:34:08,260 --> 00:34:08,500
I don't love it, but I think
it's always been there.
760
00:34:08,500 --> 00:34:09,700
it's always been there.
761
00:34:09,700 --> 00:34:11,740
It's not something
we're looking at at the moment.
762
00:34:11,740 --> 00:34:13,180
It's not something we're looking at
at the moment.
763
00:34:21,260 --> 00:34:23,900
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
764
00:34:23,900 --> 00:34:24,140
One of Australia's top rappers,
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
765
00:34:24,140 --> 00:34:26,060
One of Australia's top rappers,
Barkaa,
766
00:34:26,060 --> 00:34:29,740
is trying to sidestep
the corporate players.
767
00:34:29,740 --> 00:34:29,980
is trying to sidestep
(LAUGHS)
768
00:34:29,980 --> 00:34:31,140
(LAUGHS)
769
00:34:31,140 --> 00:34:33,340
Can we take a quick pic?
Of course, yeah.
770
00:34:33,340 --> 00:34:37,700
She's amassed such a following
she's now touring independently.
771
00:34:37,700 --> 00:34:37,940
She's amassed such a following
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
772
00:34:37,940 --> 00:34:39,980
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
773
00:34:39,980 --> 00:34:42,980
Most of our tours,
we're self-run.
774
00:34:42,980 --> 00:34:43,220
Most of our tours,
That's not easy for artists
775
00:34:43,220 --> 00:34:44,780
That's not easy for artists
776
00:34:44,780 --> 00:34:45,020
'cause it costs a lot of money
That's not easy for artists
777
00:34:45,020 --> 00:34:47,820
'cause it costs a lot of money
to put on shows.
778
00:34:47,820 --> 00:34:51,620
She's hosting a listening party
for her new EP,
779
00:34:51,620 --> 00:34:51,860
She's hosting a listening party
where you can get a free tattoo.
780
00:34:51,860 --> 00:34:54,100
where you can get a free tattoo.
781
00:34:54,940 --> 00:34:57,180
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
782
00:34:57,180 --> 00:34:59,180
We're all twinning.
783
00:35:00,100 --> 00:35:02,740
Money's, like, good when it is,
but it's, like,
784
00:35:02,740 --> 00:35:02,980
you know that it's, like...
Money's, like, good when it is,
but it's, like,
785
00:35:02,980 --> 00:35:03,900
you know that it's, like...
786
00:35:03,900 --> 00:35:06,460
..there's still money
getting taken out of our mouths
787
00:35:06,460 --> 00:35:06,700
..there's still money
at the same time.
788
00:35:06,700 --> 00:35:07,620
at the same time.
789
00:35:07,620 --> 00:35:11,380
Like, it could be better if we
weren't lining the pockets of...
790
00:35:11,380 --> 00:35:11,620
Like, it could be better if we
weren't lining the pockets of...
..yeah, people who...yeah...
791
00:35:11,620 --> 00:35:14,460
..yeah, people who...yeah...
792
00:35:14,460 --> 00:35:16,860
..dodgy cunts, you know. (LAUGHS)
793
00:35:16,860 --> 00:35:18,340
Maybe don't say...
Oh!
794
00:35:18,340 --> 00:35:20,580
(LAUGHTER)
Dodgy fuckwits!
795
00:35:20,580 --> 00:35:22,220
Nuh, um... (LAUGHS)
(LAUGHTER)
796
00:35:22,220 --> 00:35:22,460
Nuh, um... (LAUGHS)
I'm gonna get the same thing too.
797
00:35:22,460 --> 00:35:23,740
I'm gonna get the same thing too.
798
00:35:23,740 --> 00:35:25,940
Barkaa recently won
Artist of the Year
799
00:35:25,940 --> 00:35:28,460
at the National
Indigenous Music Awards.
800
00:35:29,660 --> 00:35:33,260
She says the government
needs to regulate live music.
801
00:35:36,180 --> 00:35:38,660
It's kind of like, you know,
a cowboy industry
802
00:35:38,660 --> 00:35:38,900
It's kind of like, you know,
where we're kind of like...
803
00:35:38,900 --> 00:35:40,140
where we're kind of like...
804
00:35:40,140 --> 00:35:42,140
..we don't have regulations,
we don't have sick leaves,
805
00:35:42,140 --> 00:35:42,380
..we don't have regulations,
we don't have benefits or nothing.
806
00:35:42,380 --> 00:35:43,700
we don't have benefits or nothing.
807
00:35:43,700 --> 00:35:43,940
I feel like I've met
we don't have benefits or nothing.
808
00:35:43,940 --> 00:35:46,180
I feel like I've met
more trustworthy crackheads
809
00:35:46,180 --> 00:35:48,060
than I have people in this industry.
810
00:35:48,060 --> 00:35:50,580
And that says a lot. Yeah.
811
00:35:51,540 --> 00:35:53,860
What's the promoter actually do?
812
00:35:53,860 --> 00:35:56,020
Risks his balls every day.
813
00:35:56,980 --> 00:36:00,380
In Australia
there are three big promoters -
814
00:36:00,380 --> 00:36:02,340
Live Nation's
biggest competitor here,
815
00:36:02,340 --> 00:36:06,260
veteran Michael Chugg and his
business partner Frontier Touring
816
00:36:06,260 --> 00:36:09,460
who brought artists
like Paul McCartney and Elton John
817
00:36:09,460 --> 00:36:10,900
to Australia,
818
00:36:10,900 --> 00:36:14,220
among the most profitable shows
last year,
819
00:36:14,220 --> 00:36:18,340
TEG, which made over $220 million
last year
820
00:36:18,340 --> 00:36:22,420
and owns Ticketek, the largest
ticketing agent in Australia,
821
00:36:22,420 --> 00:36:23,780
and Live Nation,
822
00:36:23,780 --> 00:36:28,300
which says there's more competition
in the industry than ever before.
823
00:36:28,300 --> 00:36:33,220
Its global profits and management
of hundreds of artists like Coldplay
824
00:36:33,220 --> 00:36:37,100
are helping it
edge out Australian promoters.
825
00:36:37,100 --> 00:36:41,900
(CHEERING)
826
00:36:41,900 --> 00:36:45,020
Well, I lost Coldplay
to Live Nation.
827
00:36:45,020 --> 00:36:47,260
That's the biggest one
I've lost to them.
828
00:36:47,260 --> 00:36:53,900
I started with Coldplay
in a 200-seater venue way back
829
00:36:53,900 --> 00:36:54,140
and we built together to get...
I started with Coldplay
in a 200-seater venue way back
830
00:36:54,140 --> 00:36:56,420
and we built together to get...
831
00:36:56,420 --> 00:36:58,700
..and we got it to stadiums and...
832
00:36:58,700 --> 00:37:00,660
So, Live Nation offered them
833
00:37:00,660 --> 00:37:00,860
So, Live Nation offered them
a worldwide tour.
834
00:37:00,860 --> 00:37:02,900
a worldwide tour.
835
00:37:02,900 --> 00:37:08,100
And I know that Chris Martin
didn't want to leave us,
836
00:37:08,100 --> 00:37:12,180
but in the end Live Nation just kept
adding millions and millions,
837
00:37:12,180 --> 00:37:12,420
but in the end Live Nation just kept
and in the end we lost out.
838
00:37:12,420 --> 00:37:14,300
and in the end we lost out.
839
00:37:15,260 --> 00:37:17,860
You've had a strong relationship
with Chris Martin.
840
00:37:17,860 --> 00:37:20,020
I mean, how did he feel
about letting you go?
841
00:37:20,020 --> 00:37:20,260
I mean, how did he feel
Well, he...
842
00:37:20,260 --> 00:37:21,340
Well, he...
843
00:37:22,780 --> 00:37:24,980
Money speaks. I mean...
844
00:37:24,980 --> 00:37:26,060
It's...
845
00:37:26,060 --> 00:37:30,460
They're not going to throw away
another whatever it was.
846
00:37:30,460 --> 00:37:32,900
They're not going to throw that away
847
00:37:32,900 --> 00:37:34,820
to stay loyal to us.
848
00:37:36,300 --> 00:37:38,020
We asked Live Nation
849
00:37:38,020 --> 00:37:42,140
if it gave Coldplay millions
to secure its tours in Australia,
850
00:37:42,140 --> 00:37:42,380
if it gave Coldplay millions
and the company said no.
851
00:37:42,380 --> 00:37:44,620
and the company said no.
852
00:37:46,900 --> 00:37:49,300
Before Live Nation
entered the country,
853
00:37:49,300 --> 00:37:54,580
Chugg along with the late Michael
Gudinski were Australia's top dogs.
854
00:37:56,740 --> 00:37:59,620
Before Live Nation
came into the picture,
855
00:37:59,620 --> 00:38:02,780
do you think you had that sort
of domination, you and Gudinski?
856
00:38:02,780 --> 00:38:03,020
do you think you had that sort
I suppose so.
857
00:38:03,020 --> 00:38:04,900
I suppose so.
858
00:38:04,900 --> 00:38:06,900
We didn't abuse it, though.
859
00:38:06,900 --> 00:38:09,820
Why did you both come back together?
860
00:38:09,820 --> 00:38:11,380
To fight Live Nation.
861
00:38:11,380 --> 00:38:14,180
We've survived
and continue to survive.
862
00:38:14,180 --> 00:38:14,420
We've survived
We're promoters.
863
00:38:14,420 --> 00:38:16,660
We're promoters.
864
00:38:16,660 --> 00:38:21,060
If we got a tour or a festival
or anything
865
00:38:21,060 --> 00:38:24,020
and it goes on sale
and it's not good,
866
00:38:24,020 --> 00:38:24,260
and it goes on sale
we don't cancel it.
867
00:38:24,260 --> 00:38:25,500
we don't cancel it.
868
00:38:25,500 --> 00:38:30,020
We work our arses off to try
and make it at least break even
869
00:38:30,020 --> 00:38:34,620
or take the potential loss
from $1 million to $100,000.
870
00:38:34,620 --> 00:38:34,860
or take the potential loss
They don't. They cancel it.
871
00:38:34,860 --> 00:38:37,420
They don't. They cancel it.
872
00:38:37,420 --> 00:38:41,260
We put this to Live Nation,
and the company denied it.
873
00:38:41,260 --> 00:38:41,500
We put this to Live Nation,
Michael Chugg says he and Frontier
874
00:38:41,500 --> 00:38:43,540
Michael Chugg says he and Frontier
875
00:38:43,540 --> 00:38:43,780
have managed to keep
Michael Chugg says he and Frontier
876
00:38:43,780 --> 00:38:46,620
have managed to keep
touring megastars in Australia
877
00:38:46,620 --> 00:38:50,540
who've been frustrated
by Live Nation's work overseas.
878
00:38:50,540 --> 00:38:50,780
who've been frustrated
(CHEERING)
879
00:38:50,780 --> 00:38:53,580
(CHEERING)
880
00:38:53,580 --> 00:38:57,580
Taylor Swift
is a key example of that.
881
00:38:57,580 --> 00:39:01,140
A debacle over Ticketmaster's sales
for her US tour
882
00:39:01,140 --> 00:39:01,380
prompted American politicians
A debacle over Ticketmaster's sales
for her US tour
883
00:39:01,380 --> 00:39:03,060
prompted American politicians
884
00:39:03,060 --> 00:39:04,540
to question whether
885
00:39:04,540 --> 00:39:04,780
to question whether
Live Nation's business model
is legal.
886
00:39:04,780 --> 00:39:07,300
Live Nation's business model
is legal.
887
00:39:07,300 --> 00:39:07,580
You can't have
too much consolidation,
Live Nation's business model
is legal.
888
00:39:07,580 --> 00:39:10,060
You can't have
too much consolidation,
889
00:39:10,060 --> 00:39:12,900
something that,
unfortunately for this country,
890
00:39:12,900 --> 00:39:13,140
something that,
as a ode to Taylor Swift,
891
00:39:13,140 --> 00:39:15,580
as a ode to Taylor Swift,
892
00:39:15,580 --> 00:39:19,060
I will say we know all too well.
893
00:39:20,380 --> 00:39:21,580
In 2010
894
00:39:21,580 --> 00:39:26,100
the US Government allowed Live Nation
and Ticketmaster to combine
895
00:39:26,100 --> 00:39:30,060
despite concerns it would allow them
to dominate the industry
896
00:39:30,060 --> 00:39:34,700
and eventually create situations
like Taylor Swift's US tour.
897
00:39:34,700 --> 00:39:34,940
and eventually create situations
The merger was approved
898
00:39:34,940 --> 00:39:36,180
The merger was approved
899
00:39:36,180 --> 00:39:38,980
on the condition
they wouldn't use their power
900
00:39:38,980 --> 00:39:43,300
to punish businesses
which use other ticket providers.
901
00:39:44,540 --> 00:39:46,420
TOMMY DORFMAN: Back in 2010
902
00:39:46,420 --> 00:39:46,660
Live Nation promised
the United States Government
TOMMY DORFMAN: Back in 2010
903
00:39:46,660 --> 00:39:49,500
Live Nation promised
the United States Government
904
00:39:49,500 --> 00:39:49,780
Live Nation promised
the United States Government
they weren't going to be doing all
the bad things that they did to me.
905
00:39:49,780 --> 00:39:53,300
they weren't going to be doing all
the bad things that they did to me.
906
00:39:53,300 --> 00:39:56,420
Live Nation violated, in my belief,
the consent decree order
907
00:39:56,420 --> 00:39:56,660
Live Nation violated, in my belief,
within a few months,
908
00:39:56,660 --> 00:39:57,660
within a few months,
909
00:39:57,660 --> 00:39:57,900
trying to block ticketing
within a few months,
910
00:39:57,900 --> 00:40:00,180
trying to block ticketing
and block my entire event.
911
00:40:01,140 --> 00:40:03,340
This is my trial prep room.
912
00:40:03,340 --> 00:40:06,540
Live Nation is facing
several lawsuits in the US,
913
00:40:06,540 --> 00:40:09,140
including from promoter
Tommy Dorfman.
914
00:40:09,140 --> 00:40:14,100
In 2011 he planned a large
dance music festival in New Jersey,
915
00:40:14,100 --> 00:40:17,500
but he says Live Nation
used aggressive tactics.
916
00:40:17,500 --> 00:40:22,060
They threatened to withhold ticketing
for future events.
917
00:40:22,060 --> 00:40:23,860
They acted like wild animals.
918
00:40:23,860 --> 00:40:26,340
They said, "We are going to block
all your ticketing.
919
00:40:26,340 --> 00:40:27,500
"You will not get ticketing.
920
00:40:27,500 --> 00:40:29,820
"We're going to block
all your talent."
921
00:40:29,820 --> 00:40:30,980
Everything disappeared.
922
00:40:30,980 --> 00:40:33,460
We went from having
the biggest EDM festival
923
00:40:33,460 --> 00:40:36,340
in the East Coast
of the United States
924
00:40:36,340 --> 00:40:36,580
in the East Coast
to nothing.
925
00:40:36,580 --> 00:40:37,660
to nothing.
926
00:40:37,660 --> 00:40:38,860
Goodbye. It was gone.
927
00:40:43,140 --> 00:40:45,060
Tommy lost his music business.
928
00:40:45,060 --> 00:40:49,500
Now he's selling cable door to door.
929
00:40:49,500 --> 00:40:50,940
Hello?
Hello! How are you doing?
930
00:40:50,940 --> 00:40:52,500
Hi.
I'm Tommy from RDA Enterprises
931
00:40:52,500 --> 00:40:52,740
Hi.
representing Astound Broadband.
932
00:40:52,740 --> 00:40:54,260
representing Astound Broadband.
933
00:40:54,260 --> 00:40:57,500
Do you guys have internet or
cable-phone internet in your house?
934
00:40:57,500 --> 00:40:59,740
He's been waiting 13 years
935
00:40:59,740 --> 00:41:02,820
for his case against Live Nation
to go to trial.
936
00:41:02,820 --> 00:41:03,060
for his case against Live Nation
I'm Tommy. Nice to meet you!
937
00:41:03,060 --> 00:41:04,460
I'm Tommy. Nice to meet you!
938
00:41:05,420 --> 00:41:08,820
His cause was taken up
by a prominent member of Congress,
939
00:41:08,820 --> 00:41:09,060
His cause was taken up
the late Bill Pascrell.
940
00:41:09,060 --> 00:41:11,300
the late Bill Pascrell.
941
00:41:12,540 --> 00:41:14,740
I do not want Live Nation's money.
942
00:41:14,740 --> 00:41:18,660
I want to take this to a jury
and I want justice.
943
00:41:19,620 --> 00:41:21,940
In court filings, Live Nation denied
944
00:41:21,940 --> 00:41:22,180
many of the allegations
In court filings, Live Nation denied
945
00:41:22,180 --> 00:41:25,020
many of the allegations
in Tommy's case
946
00:41:25,020 --> 00:41:28,980
or said there was insufficient
evidence to prove them.
947
00:41:30,020 --> 00:41:33,460
I would tell your government,
"Don't listen to Live Nation.
948
00:41:33,460 --> 00:41:35,260
"Stop it now. Stop it now.
949
00:41:35,260 --> 00:41:38,180
"Protect the independent promoters,
protect the artists
950
00:41:38,180 --> 00:41:41,100
"and protect the fans
that are getting ripped off."
951
00:41:41,100 --> 00:41:44,940
Now Live Nation is facing
its biggest battle yet.
952
00:41:44,940 --> 00:41:49,220
The US Department of Justice
and dozens of American states
953
00:41:49,220 --> 00:41:49,460
The US Department of Justice
are suing the company.
954
00:41:49,460 --> 00:41:51,020
are suing the company.
955
00:41:51,020 --> 00:41:51,260
We allege that Live Nation
has illegally monopolised markets
are suing the company.
956
00:41:51,260 --> 00:41:54,980
We allege that Live Nation
has illegally monopolised markets
957
00:41:54,980 --> 00:41:57,980
across the live concert industry
in the United States
958
00:41:57,980 --> 00:41:58,220
across the live concert industry
in the United States
for far too long.
959
00:41:58,220 --> 00:41:59,940
for far too long.
960
00:41:59,940 --> 00:42:02,740
It is time to break it up.
961
00:42:02,740 --> 00:42:05,740
In a recent interview
with Bloomberg,
962
00:42:05,740 --> 00:42:07,980
Live Nation CEO, Michael Rapino,
963
00:42:07,980 --> 00:42:10,500
said he thought
the US Department of Justice
964
00:42:10,500 --> 00:42:14,140
had rewritten the rules
on vertical integration.
965
00:42:14,140 --> 00:42:14,420
Are we vertical?
Of course we're vertical.
had rewritten the rules
on vertical integration.
966
00:42:14,420 --> 00:42:16,740
Are we vertical?
Of course we're vertical.
967
00:42:16,740 --> 00:42:18,300
Every promoter from history
has been vertical
968
00:42:18,300 --> 00:42:20,100
because that's how
you pay the bills.
969
00:42:20,100 --> 00:42:20,380
because that's how
you pay the bills.
We have filed this lawsuit
on behalf of the American people.
970
00:42:20,380 --> 00:42:25,580
We have filed this lawsuit
on behalf of the American people.
971
00:42:25,580 --> 00:42:28,100
It is time for fans and artists
972
00:42:28,100 --> 00:42:32,620
to stop paying the price
for Live Nation's monopoly.
973
00:42:32,620 --> 00:42:34,860
AUDIENCE: (CHANTS) Barkaa! Barkaa!
974
00:42:34,860 --> 00:42:38,940
Barkaa! Barkaa!
975
00:42:38,940 --> 00:42:42,180
Barkaa! Barkaa! Barkaa!
976
00:42:42,180 --> 00:42:43,820
Barkaa! Barkaa!
977
00:42:43,820 --> 00:42:45,940
BARKAA: What's good?!
978
00:42:45,940 --> 00:42:49,820
(CHEERING, APPLAUSE)
979
00:42:49,820 --> 00:42:52,380
I feel like, artists,
this is our industry, you know?
980
00:42:52,380 --> 00:42:54,900
This is ours, you know?
We're the ones that keep it rolling.
981
00:42:54,900 --> 00:42:57,460
If it wasn't for us,
we wouldn't have an industry.
982
00:42:57,460 --> 00:42:58,220
(CHEERING)
983
00:42:58,220 --> 00:43:01,380
(RAPS) # Ha! So, you're gonna shoot
a brother in the back
984
00:43:01,380 --> 00:43:03,900
# Ha!
Black mother at her doorstep... #
985
00:43:03,900 --> 00:43:06,420
Barkaa's playing a national tour.
986
00:43:06,420 --> 00:43:08,380
Her fan base is dedicated,
987
00:43:08,380 --> 00:43:12,700
and her lyrics tell stories
about her life in Australia.
988
00:43:13,900 --> 00:43:15,460
# Why my people gotta die?
989
00:43:15,460 --> 00:43:17,700
# Ain't shit changed
since we've been colonised... #
990
00:43:17,700 --> 00:43:17,940
# Ain't shit changed
You just see constantly
991
00:43:17,940 --> 00:43:19,260
You just see constantly
992
00:43:19,260 --> 00:43:21,500
the people who actually are out here
993
00:43:21,500 --> 00:43:21,740
putting their life experiences
the people who actually are out here
994
00:43:21,740 --> 00:43:24,580
putting their life experiences
on the line
995
00:43:24,580 --> 00:43:26,540
just for somebody to come in
and gobble up,
996
00:43:26,540 --> 00:43:30,140
like, benefit and profit
off people's pain and trauma
997
00:43:30,140 --> 00:43:30,380
like, benefit and profit
and, you know, their stories.
998
00:43:30,380 --> 00:43:33,140
and, you know, their stories.
999
00:43:33,140 --> 00:43:35,420
# Ha! Hold your fists up
1000
00:43:35,420 --> 00:43:36,980
# Put 'em up! #
1001
00:43:36,980 --> 00:43:40,940
Can we just enjoy and thrive
and create
1002
00:43:40,940 --> 00:43:42,220
rather than being in survival mode
1003
00:43:42,220 --> 00:43:45,140
and always having our back up
about people doing us dodgy
1004
00:43:45,140 --> 00:43:47,220
or taking and ripping
everything away from us?
1005
00:43:47,220 --> 00:43:50,660
And I think as artists, like, yeah,
we need to take back that power,
1006
00:43:50,660 --> 00:43:51,860
we need to be more vocal,
1007
00:43:51,860 --> 00:43:54,340
write diss tracks to Live Nation,
1008
00:43:54,340 --> 00:43:56,540
like, do something, guys.
1009
00:43:56,540 --> 00:44:00,020
('FORGOTTEN YEARS' PLAYS)
1010
00:44:09,700 --> 00:44:12,980
My advice to the Australian
Government would be don't wait.
1011
00:44:12,980 --> 00:44:13,220
My advice to the Australian
These companies,
1012
00:44:13,220 --> 00:44:15,100
These companies,
1013
00:44:15,100 --> 00:44:19,220
there's nothing evil or wrong
about them inherently,
1014
00:44:19,220 --> 00:44:20,820
but they are avaricious.
1015
00:44:20,820 --> 00:44:22,580
And the way to curtail that
1016
00:44:22,580 --> 00:44:24,460
is to have a regulatory system
1017
00:44:24,460 --> 00:44:26,180
in which they can operate to do that
1018
00:44:26,180 --> 00:44:28,180
within certain limits
and certain controls.
1019
00:44:28,180 --> 00:44:32,020
Just letting them do it without
any kind of controls doesn't work.
1020
00:44:34,740 --> 00:44:37,580
# These should not
be forgotten years... #
1021
00:44:37,580 --> 00:44:42,260
When all else fails, live music
is supposed to bring people together.
1022
00:44:42,260 --> 00:44:42,500
When all else fails, live music
# And divided years... #
1023
00:44:42,500 --> 00:44:44,020
# And divided years... #
1024
00:44:44,020 --> 00:44:47,700
The concern felt
by so many in the industry
1025
00:44:47,700 --> 00:44:52,500
is that Live Nation's move
to make it an expensive luxury item
1026
00:44:52,500 --> 00:44:55,420
is threatening
the grass-roots traditions
1027
00:44:55,420 --> 00:44:58,620
that have made
Australia's scene unique.
1028
00:44:59,940 --> 00:45:02,460
It's very disappointing
they've been let into Australia.
1029
00:45:02,460 --> 00:45:05,860
It may be very difficult
to, you know, unwind that.
1030
00:45:05,860 --> 00:45:06,100
It may be very difficult
My personal belief is that music
1031
00:45:06,100 --> 00:45:07,540
My personal belief is that music
1032
00:45:07,540 --> 00:45:07,780
is there at all the important
My personal belief is that music
1033
00:45:07,780 --> 00:45:10,940
is there at all the important
moments of most of our lives...
1034
00:45:11,900 --> 00:45:14,580
..and, unless we recognise
the value of that,
1035
00:45:14,580 --> 00:45:14,820
..and, unless we recognise
it can quite quickly disappear.
1036
00:45:14,820 --> 00:45:16,700
it can quite quickly disappear.
1037
00:45:16,700 --> 00:45:18,620
What makes us human, in a way,
1038
00:45:18,620 --> 00:45:23,260
is artists sharing
their sense of things, their stories
1039
00:45:23,260 --> 00:45:25,820
with the people
who they've grown up with
1040
00:45:25,820 --> 00:45:26,060
with the people
or who they live nearby
1041
00:45:26,060 --> 00:45:28,140
or who they live nearby
1042
00:45:28,140 --> 00:45:30,140
or who they're visiting.
1043
00:45:30,140 --> 00:45:32,620
And that's why people
still go out to shows.
1044
00:45:32,620 --> 00:45:36,180
A country without its own music
is a country without a soul.
1045
00:45:36,180 --> 00:45:39,900
# The blinded years
The binded years
1046
00:45:39,900 --> 00:45:43,300
# The desperate and divided years
1047
00:45:44,820 --> 00:45:46,060
# These should not be
1048
00:45:46,060 --> 00:45:47,940
# Forgotten years
# These should not be
1049
00:45:47,940 --> 00:45:49,460
# Forgotten years
1050
00:45:49,460 --> 00:45:51,020
# Remember!
1051
00:45:51,980 --> 00:45:53,540
# Oh, oh!
1052
00:45:54,980 --> 00:46:00,780
# Oh, we'll try. #
1053
00:46:08,780 --> 00:46:10,820
(THEME MUSIC PLAYS)
1054
00:46:26,220 --> 00:46:28,220
Captions by Red Bee Media
1055
00:46:28,220 --> 00:46:28,460
Copyright
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Captions by Red Bee Media
1056
00:46:28,460 --> 00:46:30,420
Copyright
Australian Broadcasting Corporation