Inside the Ticketmaster Monopoly

On this episode of Between 2 Palms, Derek and Mikey pull the curtain back on Ticketmaster, Live Nation, and how their “partnership” turned into an illegal monopoly that’s choking out independent venues across the country. From ghost companies scalping their own tickets to 200-mile radius clauses that block bands from playing rooms like the Boardwalk, Derek explains what this looks like from the venue side in real life.

They break down the proposed Department of Justice settlement, why a $280 million fine and 13 amphitheaters is basically a rounding error for Live Nation, and how fees “capped” at 15% just get baked into higher ticket prices anyway. You’ll hear stories about tours getting wiped out when Live Nation buys and shuts down venues, small festivals getting crushed by last-minute chargebacks, and why 70% of sub-500-cap rooms in the U.S. are struggling to survive.

Derek also talks about what the Boardwalk is doing to stay alive—free Fridays, bringing in local acts, and slowly changing the “roadhouse” image—while still trying to give upcoming bands a real stage and keep tickets somewhat reasonable. They get into NIVA (the National Independent Venue Association), grassroots advocacy, and what fans can actually do besides just complaining about fees online.

If you’ve ever wondered why ticket prices exploded, why it feels like Live Nation owns every show, or how long small rooms can hang on, this one will make you look at that “service fee” line a lot different

The Boardwalk: rocktheboardwalk.com

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