Live Nation's Influence on the Australian Live Music Scene
The Australian live music industry is facing a crisis that has recently been spotlighted by ABC’s Four Corners , particularly regarding the impact of the U.S.-based company Live Nation. While Live Nation’s presence in Australia has grown, challenges for local venues, independent artists, and the grassroots music scene have only intensified. For many, this situation brings forth questions about the survival of local music and concerns about international dominance in the industry.
Australia has a deeply-rooted live music culture, but this cultural asset now struggles under pressures like rising costs, diminishing audience attendance, and competition from well-funded international entities. Live music venues across the nation have been shutting down, in part because audience spending has tightened in the current economic climate, making concerts and gigs a luxury for many. Local operators, already stretched thin by rising rent and utility costs, find it challenging to survive. Cassandra Tombs, owner of Arthur Art Bar in Adelaide, illustrates this struggle, noting she has taken on a second job just to afford the rent for her small, 175-capacity venue. She reflects on the lack of substantial, lasting government support, saying, “We got small vouchers during COVID, but where are the long-term solutions to keep venues afloat?”
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Live Nation’s business approach has raised further concerns. Through vertical integration—controlling ticketing, promotion, and venues—it has created a formidable position within the market. Such consolidation can make it harder for small venues and promoters to compete, particularly in cities like Brisbane. The closure of venues, including the longstanding The Zoo , and Live Nation’s operation of the large-capacity Fortitude Music Hall highlight how local operators struggle to keep up. The arrival of 2032 Olympics might attract further investments in Brisbane’s music infrastructure, but it’s yet uncertain if these investments will benefit local, independent venues or reinforce dominance by large players like Live Nation.
The industry’s broader structure impacts not only venues but also emerging artists. Independent musicians, who often rely on smaller venues to gain exposure, face obstacles in building sustainable careers. Joe Oliver from Melbourne-based indie band Majak Door expressed his frustration, noting that while his band has thrived post-COVID, the industry’s structure heavily favors well-established acts, making it challenging for new artists to make a living. To combat this, the Australian Association of Artist Managers has introduced “Michael’s Rule,” an initiative encouraging international acts to support local talent as opening acts. This approach could ensure more exposure for Australian artists, providing them with a chance to perform on the same stage as international headliners.
Government policies, including Queensland’s lockout laws and New South Wales’ “vibrancy reforms,” also play a role in shaping the live music landscape. For years, Brisbane’s restrictive laws have stifled its nightlife, while Sydney’s recent reforms attempt to revive its live music scene. As local governments attempt to recalibrate policies, questions arise about how much support these measures can truly offer the independent music sector.
In a market increasingly dominated by international interests, Australia’s live music industry requires thoughtful solutions. Support for local venues, fairer ticketing practices, and initiatives like “Michael’s Rule” may offer pathways toward a healthier, more sustainable ecosystem. However, without a concerted effort from both industry stakeholders and policymakers, the local live music scene risks losing its voice in a crowded international market.
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