Why Is Kid Rock accusing ticketmaster of cheating fans? What to know
Kid Rock’s rant reignites Ticketmaster controversy. Image Credit: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Kid Rock has gone viral after posting an explosive, profanity-filled video targeting Ticketmaster and its parent company, Live Nation Entertainment. The rock star and outspoken supporter of President Donald Trump accused the ticketing giant of deceiving both fans and artists for decades.
In the three-minute video shared on social media, Kid Rock accused Ticketmaster of enabling ticket scalping, price-gouging, and reselling tickets on its own platform for higher profits. His tirade has reignited a long-running debate about transparency and fairness in the live entertainment industry.
Why Ticketmaster Is Facing Renewed Scrutiny
The backlash against Ticketmaster comes at a time when the company is already under multiple legal challenges. In September, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and seven U.S. states filed lawsuits against Live Nation and Ticketmaster, alleging illegal resale tactics and monopolistic practices.
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This is not the first time the company has faced criticism. From Pearl Jam’s historic battle in the 1990s over excessive service fees to the most recent consumer complaints about hidden charges and ticket bots, Ticketmaster’s business model has long been under fire.
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Kid Rock Calls Out Artists and Politicians
Kid Rock urged fellow artists to speak out against Ticketmaster’s practices, even calling on bands like Pearl Jam, who once fought the company in the 1990s. However, he expressed skepticism that many would step forward, accusing them of political bias against Donald Trump.
“Fans should be able to get tickets at the prices artists set,” Kid Rock said, insisting that Ticketmaster and Live Nation have “hidden behind capitalism” while exploiting both fans and performers. He also criticized past U.S. presidents for failing to address the issue, claiming Trump has taken the strongest stance through executive orders and investigations.
Ticketmaster, Live Nation, and Legal Battles
The lawsuits against Ticketmaster highlight allegations of monopolistic behavior, including restricting competition and inflating ticket costs. Critics argue that the company’s dominance of the live events market gives it unchecked control over pricing, access, and resale practices.
The Justice Department also filed lawsuits under President Joe Biden in 2024, accusing Ticketmaster of operating an illegal monopoly. Despite years of complaints, the company has remained the largest player in the global ticketing industry, handling millions of concert and event sales each year.
What Happens Next
While Kid Rock’s rant went viral, garnering over 900,000 combined views on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), it remains to be seen whether other artists will publicly support the fight against Ticketmaster. His challenge to Pearl Jam has sparked speculation about whether the band will reignite its decades-old feud with the ticketing company.
For now, Live Nation continue to face lawsuits, regulatory scrutiny, and growing frustration from fans who say the ticket-buying experience remains broken. Kid Rock’s fiery comments may have amplified the issue, but the legal outcomes will determine whether real change is on the horizon for the live events industry.
FAQ
Q1: Why did Kid Rock attack Ticketmaster?
Kid Rock accused Ticketmaster of deceiving fans and artists by enabling ticket scalping, reselling tickets for higher prices, and charging hidden service fees. His viral rant called the company “greedy” and demanded reform.
Q2: What is the lawsuit about?
The FTC and several U.S. states have sued Ticketmaster and its parent company Live Nation, alleging illegal resale practices and monopolistic control over live events. The lawsuits aim to increase transparency and reduce inflated costs for fans.
Q3: Did Pearl Jam fight Ticketmaster?
Yes. In the 1990s, Pearl Jam publicly challenged Ticketmaster over high service fees and monopolistic practices, although their efforts failed to break the company’s dominance. Kid Rock referenced this battle in his recent video, urging Pearl Jam to step up again.
Q4: Why are they controversial?
Ticketmaster has long been criticized for excessive service fees, limited transparency, enabling ticket bots, and reselling tickets at inflated prices. Fans and artists argue that the company prioritizes profit over fair access to concerts.
Q5: What did Donald Trump do about Ticketmaster?
In March 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the FTC and Department of Justice to investigate the ticketing industry. This move led to lawsuits against Ticketmaster and Live Nation.
Q6: How do they resell tickets?
Ticketmaster allows tickets to be resold on its platform at higher prices, collecting fees on both the original sale and the resale. Critics argue this creates a conflict of interest and drives up ticket costs.
Q7: Why are their tickets so expensive?
Ticketmaster tickets often include hidden service fees, convenience charges, and dynamic pricing, which increases costs during high demand. Reselling on its own platform also contributes to inflated prices.
Q8: Is Ticketmaster a monopoly?
Regulators and critics argue that Ticketmaster and Live Nation function as a monopoly because they control the majority of ticketing and live event venues, limiting competition and consumer choice.
Q9: What is Live Nation’s role in Ticketmaster?
Live Nation Entertainment owns Ticketmaster and oversees ticketing, concert promotion, and venue management. This vertical integration has raised concerns about unfair practices and market dominance.
