Kid Rock Criticizes Ticketing Industry’s Unfair Practices in Testimony
Kid Rock recently addressed the Senate Commerce Committee, highlighting significant issues surrounding the ticketing industry. His testimony, part of the hearing titled “Fees Rolled on All Summer Long: Examining the Live Entertainment Industry,” focused on the unfair practices that harm both artists and fans.
Concerns Over Ticketing Practices
During his testimony, Rock, whose real name is Robert Ritchie, expressed a strong stance against the ticketing industry. He claimed that what was once a promise to reduce costs has devolved into an arena of “fraud and abuse.” Rock emphasized that he holds a unique position, unbound by labels or endorsements, allowing him to speak candidly about these issues.
Historical Context
Rock referred to Pearl Jam’s notable opposition to Ticketmaster in 1994, which spotlighted the company’s monopoly in ticket sales. He then shifted focus to the 2010 merger between Live Nation and Ticketmaster, which led to the establishment of Live Nation Entertainment. He stated, “In 2009, Congress was told under oath that merging Live Nation and Ticketmaster would benefit artists and fans.” However, he believes that the outcomes have been detrimental.
The Current State of the Industry
- Independent venues have suffered due to the merger.
- Artists are losing their negotiation power.
- Fans are now faced with higher ticket prices.
Rock questioned whether the merger should be undone, asserting that the ticketing landscape is influenced by greed. He criticized those profiting off the hard work of artists and misleading fans.
Proposed Solutions
Rock called on Congress to investigate the contracts in the ticketing industry, claiming they would reveal extensive fraud. He offered several potential reforms:
- Artists should have control over ticket sales.
- Implement resale ticket price ceilings.
- Outlaw speculative ticketing practices.
He concluded by stating, “This wasn’t an experiment; it was a monopoly dressed up as innovation.” Drawing inspiration from rock legends, he expressed hope that the industry would not “get fooled again.”
Advocacy for Change
Kid Rock has made it a priority to reform the ticketing industry. In March 2025, he met with former President Donald Trump, who signed an executive order aimed at protecting fans from exploitative ticket scalping practices. Rock’s commitment to this cause underscores his dedication to ensuring fairness in live entertainment.
