The Live Nation/Ticketmaster merger is just ONE more step in a long-term LN/Clear Channel strategy: You might remember about three years ago, when LN/CC ?acquired? the Charlottesville, VA based companies, Red Light Management and MusicToday. The latter provided merch/music distribution for small bands, Red Light, artist development and talent management. Thru similar acquisions, LN also presently provides tour management (booking, logistics, buses, drivers, roadies, road managers), owns and/or manages venues (already noted elsewhere on this thread); talent development and representation services, and now possibly ticketing for ALL TicketMaster venues ? even those not owned/operated or managed by Live Nation. So, in essence here?s the dealeo: They will own EVERY freekin aspect of the music industry we love. Only bands ?managed? by them will get gigs, tour support, merch distribution, ticketing services; only venues owned/operated or managed by them will get their bands. It?s really sickening. I know some of the lesser ?management? from their C?ville days. They all have personalities similar to the LN chairman: They are king-makers; it?s all about them, their vision/egos and their ?extraordinary? business acumen. This is NOT good for small club owners, music lovers or musicians
