‘Highway robbery’: Kid Rock calls Ticketmaster a monopoly that needs breaking up

American singer-songwriter Kid Rock is calling on Congress to take action against what he calls Ticketmaster’s monopoly over the music industry. 

While speaking on the podcast “This Past Weekend” hosted by Theo Von, Kid Rock, whose real name is Bob Ritchie, did not hold back in voicing his criticisms.

“I’ve actually talked to several [lawmakers] about really taking a hard look at Ticketmaster. They have a monopoly. And even though I make a lot of money for them and I love the people at Live Nation – we’ve done great business together – I’m like, this is f——- up,” Mr. Ritchie said.

“I’ll be the first one to admit, I’m overpaid. There’s no reason to make this much money. But I can’t control it, because the market dictated, and Ticketmaster,” he said.

Ticketmaster’s much-debated fees and business operations came under bipartisan scrutiny during a high-profile hearing in Congress last year. The event marked a rare occasion where both Democratic and Republican legislators shared common ground in their concerns. 

Mr. Ritchie also said that reselling tickets at far higher prices is a major problem — one that nets Ticketmaster even more money, he said.

“They made over a billion dollars in the secondary market last year. That means if you buy a ticket and go to a concert, you’re their worst customer. They want that ticket to resell, and resell, and keep getting that money on it,” Mr. Ritchie said.

“And they could cut it out but the government will not hold them responsible to stop the bots,” he said. “The government says, ’We’re going to do it,’ and they’re not doing sh—. And these bots are out of hand.”