Ticketmaster + Live Nation = consumers’ nightmare

It looks like Live Nation’s great experiment with independence lasted only a few weeks, when they went from Ticketmater competitor to getting in bed with TM. Of course, both companies are trying to spin their merger as a boom for all of us music fans, if you wanna believe this CNN article:

The companies said the merger will help improve “access and transparency” by combining artist, promoter and ticketing under one banner. It will also enable more “innovative and dynamic” promotion arrangements, which will create more choice and “a more fan-friendly purchasing experience.”

By joining forces, the companies said they will be able to develop new technologies that will benefit consumers.

The merger will also create opportunities to improve attendance at events, the companies said, which will be a boon for concert venues and support a healthier live entertainment industry.

Yeah, right… What are those consumer-friendly technologies? Fan-friendly too? Boy, they’re pouring it on thick.

If you’d like the real deal, read Jim DeRogatis’ take on the merger. This is gonna be a real test of Obama’s Justice Dept and whether or not they let an obvious monopoly take over the ticket biz, kill off their competition and zoom up the prices for consumers.