Proposed Breakups of Live Nation/Ticketmaster with Tommy Dorfman

What this episode covers

What happens when one company dominates every aspect of an industry—from venues and ticketing to artist access and local politics? In this in-depth interview, The Capitol Forum’s Teddy Downey speaks with Tommy Dorfman, former promoter and now CEO of Juice Entertainment, about his extraordinary 15-year legal battle against Live Nation and Ticketmaster. Dorfman alleges that Live Nation used anti-competitive tactics—backed by its control of Ticketmaster—to force him out of the industry, block access to artists, and coerce state-run venues. His claims include: Closed-door threats and pressure to enter a forced partnership A nationwide pattern of leveraging rebates to inflate ticket prices Control over municipal venues, artist touring, and even event security As the U.S. Department of Justice pursues its own case against Live Nation, Dorfman makes a broader argument: that monopolistic control in the live events industry suppresses competition, stifles independent promoters, and ultimately harms artists and consumers alike. A story of market power, legal resilience, and the changing economics of live music.