In this episode of Decibel and Docket, host Dave Brooks and guest Randy Nichols delve into ongoing antitrust case against Live Nation and Ticketmaster. They discuss the intricacies of ticket scalping, the challenges of legislation, and the implications of monopolistic practices in the live entertainment industry. Randy shares his insights from years of experience as an artist manager, his topline meeting with former DOJ antitrust boss Gail Slater and his involvement in understanding the ticketing landscape. The conversation also touches on the importance of diverse voices in the ongoing legal discussions surrounding the industry.Takeaways

• Randy Nichols has over 20 years of experience in artist management.
• Understanding ticket scalping requires knowledge of both good and bad actors.
• The DOJ's antitrust case against Live Nation is complex and nuanced.
• Live Nation operates as a vertical monopoly, controlling multiple aspects of the live event business.
• Ticketing is a financial vehicle that provides liquidity to venues.
• The ruling in the Live Nation case reflects a misunderstanding of the market by the DOJ.
• There are alternative ticketing platforms, but they struggle to compete with Ticketmaster.
• The focus should be on the vertical monopoly concept rather than just Ticketmaster's practices.
• New financial models are needed to support independent venues.
• Diverse voices from the industry are crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the issues.

The conversation covers the breaking news of Gail Slater's departure and the concerns raised by Senators Durbin and Booker regarding antitrust issues and political interference with the Ticketmaster and Live Nation case. It delves into the impact of these concerns on enforcement decisions and the potential for negotiated settlements.

Takeaways

• Antitrust concerns

• Political interference

Chapters

• 00:00 Antitrust Concerns and Political Interference

In this episode of Decibel & Docket, hosts Dave Brooks and attorney Mike Seville break down the biggest legal, financial and cultural stories shaping the live entertainment business — from high-stakes antitrust negotiations involving Live Nation to the growing financial pressure on independent touring artists and the fallout surrounding the Wasserman agency.

The show opens with an in-depth discussion of reports that Live Nation has entered high-level talks with the Department of Justice in hopes of avoiding a blockbuster antitrust trial. Dave and Mike unpack what a potential settlement could look like and why both sides may prefer negotiation over courtroom risk. The conversation explores possible outcomes ranging from structural divestitures and behavioral remedies to the so-called “nuclear option” of separating Ticketmaster from Live Nation. They also examine how political dynamics inside the DOJ could shape enforcement priorities and why state attorneys general may continue pursuing litigation regardless of any federal settlement. The hosts explain how exclusive ticketing deals, venue contracts and alleged anti-competitive practices factor into the case — and what meaningful reform in the ticketing ecosystem might actually look like for fans, artists and venues.

The episode then turns to the Wasserman agency, where Casey Wasserman’s appearance in newly released Epstein-related documents has triggered internal tension and artist concern. Dave and Mike discuss the reputational and structural challenges facing a talent agency when its namesake leader becomes embroiled in controversy. Drawing comparisons to law-firm governance and partnership structures, they explore potential scenarios ranging from leadership changes and ownership transitions to client defections and competitive poaching. The segment highlights how quickly perception and brand risk can impact agencies whose business depends on trust, relationships and artist confidence.

A featured interview with Kat Leon of Holy Wars offers a ground-level look at the economics of touring in 2026. Leon speaks candidly about rising costs, shrinking margins and the financial reality for mid-level and emerging acts. From bus rentals and flights to crew salaries, merch production and festival opportunities, she explains how even successful tours can leave artists in debt. Leon also reflects on the emotional and creative motivations that keep artists on the road despite the challenges, emphasizing the importance of real-world fan connection in an era increasingly shaped by AI and digital noise. Her perspective underscores the widening gap between the cost of touring and the revenue artists can realistically expect to earn.

The episode closes with a lighter reporter’s notebook segment on the Super Bowl halftime show and the cultural impact of major live performances, reinforcing the show’s broader theme: live entertainment sits at the intersection of art, commerce and the law.

Blending insider reporting with legal analysis and artist perspectives, Decibel & Docket delivers a sharp, informed and occasionally irreverent look at the forces reshaping the modern music and live events business.