Earlier this month, Jeff Rosenstock called out AEG and Live Nation-owned music venues for taking up to a 25% cut of the merchandise he sells at his concerts. Following the pandemic, he said the companies “bought so many of the types of venues that we play, that dodging these super high cuts is nearly impossible.” Since Rosenstock spoke up, artists such as Tomberlin shared how the practice hurts their bottom line and requires them to raise merch prices in order to make a profit.
Today (Sept. 26), Live Nation announced a major change to its policy, which for now will only be applied in 77 of its club and theater venues. In a new partnership with Willie Nelson dubbed On the Road Again, the concert promoter announced it will no longer take a percentage of artist merch sales and will also provide both headliners and opening acts a $1,500 travel stipend per show to offset the ever-growing costs of touring.
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