It's no surprise the new company has removed all traces of "Ticketmaster" from the new name. Over 30 years, the brand has come under fire from big names in the music business, from Pearl Jam in 1995 to Bruce Springsteen in 2009. Fans have also endured their price-gouging methods and instant sellouts. Under Ticketmaster's reign, ticket prices rose 160 percent since 1999 (well over the pace of inflation)--not to mention the cost of the shirts, beers and hot dogs Live Nation sells at a premium to smitten fans.

Ah, that explains a lot. The not-so-hard-won market prowess of a monopoly.

-janelane

Ticketmaster-Live Nation Merger: The New Monster That Controls Concerts