US Senators Richard Blumenthal and Sheldon Whitehouse have introduced a new legislation that would eliminate excessive fees and enforce transparency in the marketplace around hidden fees. According to a press release from Senator Blumenthal, hidden fees cost Americans billions of dollars annually. The introduction of the ‘Junk Fee Prevention Act’ follows calls from President Joe …
NTIA-backed Surreal launches in the UK to champion live entertainment and experiences
A new platform has launched in the UK to champion live entertainment and experiences, with backing from the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA). Surreal is a global live entertainment operating system for the hospitality industry, and has launched with a number of clients already including Boxpark, Eclectic Clubs and Bars, and Dirty Bones. The platform …
Major events deliver A$1bn boost to Victoria
Victoria’s major events delivered an almost A$1bn (£545m/€618m/$666m ) boost to the Australian state’s economy in the second half of 2022. Across 2022, a record year of major events attracted 6.9 million attendees to sports, music, arts and cultural events in Victoria. A packed schedule of events last year also saw hotels boasting an occupancy …
Spain sees record ticket sales in 2022
The Association of Music Promoters of Spain (APM) has revealed that ticket sales in Spain reached a record-high of €459m (£402m/$492m) in 2022, an increase of 191.33% compared to 2021. The total also represented an increase of 20.03% compared to the pre-pandemic total in 2019. Festivals such as Primavera Sound in Barcelona attracted 500,700 attendees …
All Things Live acquires majority stake in Ostend Beach Festival
Independent live music promoter All Things Live has acquired a majority stake in Ostend Beach Festival in Belgium. The three-day festival hosts more than 100 artists across four different stages and boasts a capacity in excess of 22,500 visitors. Festival co-founder Jan Mortelmans and Kevin Beirens will maintain a minority stake and continue to lead …
Ticketmaster to offer partial refund to The Cure ticket-holders over ‘unduly high’ fees
Ticketmaster will offer ticket-buyers for The Cure’s US tour dates with partial refunds, following complaints over “unduly high” ticket fees. Yesterday (Thursday) frontman Robert Smith said that Ticketmaster’s high fees “sickened” him and went looking for answers from the ticketing company. One fan purchased four tickets at $20 (£17/€19) each, but incurred fees such as …
The Cure’s Robert Smith ‘sickened’ by TM fees, calls Platinum option a ‘greedy scam’
The Cure’s Robert Smith has said he is “sickened” by Ticketmaster’s fees on tickets for the English band’s US tour dates. Earlier this week, the band said that they had tried to keep ticket prices as low as possible. It was also announced that tickets for the majority of concerts would be non-transferable to protect …
Ticket resale bill advances in Florida
A bill that would require ticket sellers in Florida to let buyers sell or transfer their tickets after purchase has advanced. Members of the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee voted 6-3 earlier this week for SB 388, which would mean ticket-holders would be able to donate, transfer or resell tickets to a live event. As …
Ticketmaster says it will be more transparent over ticket fees
Ticketmaster has said it will be more transparent about ticket fees, according to reports. Michael Rapino, chief executive of Live Nation, reportedly told investors that “We all want to know what is the true cost to see the show when we start shopping”. US President Joe Biden has been vocal in support of limiting ‘junk …
FestivalPass partners with Spin to create SXSW studio and VIP experience
Subscription membership for live events, FestivalPass, has partnered with Spin magazine to create a mobile content studio, as well as a VIP experience at a concert. Ahead of SXSW 2023 in Austin, Texas – which is currently running until Sunday – FestivalPass and Spin transformed a bus into a co-branded content space for Spin editors …