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Apr 6, 2026
Coverage of the Live Nation trial and the defense narrative around Ticketmaster's dominance. The UMG vs Believe settlement over knockoff tracks gets attention. Controversy around Ye costs a major festival sponsor. A playful NYC mayoral song contest with Cardi B is highlighted. Industry moves include a high-profile YouTube exit and a new CEO at Epic Records.
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Live Nation Claims Ticketmaster Is Just Better
- Live Nation framed Ticketmaster's dominance as product superiority versus rivals Axis and SeatGeek.
- Lars Murray notes the defense bought high-priced expert testimony (Eric Budish > $1M) to argue correlation versus causation in market power.
UMG And Believe Settle Over Knockoff Songs
- UMG and Believe quietly settled a $500M-era suit over knockoff Kendrick Lamar songs after long litigation.
- Murray suggests industry consolidation (UMG acquiring CD Baby and Fuga) shifted incentives to resolve knockoff-distribution disputes quickly.
Pepsi Pulls Wireless Sponsorship For Ye
- Kanye West's attempted public redemption saw a hit when Pepsi withdrew Wireless Festival sponsorship in the U.K.
- Lars Murray highlights that past anti‑Semitic and fascist rants remain a reputational barrier overseas.