UNLIMITED SUPPLY with Digital Music News Blood sucking leechbots, WMG's new UK model, and only sellouts this week.
Sep 4, 2025
The discussion dives into the recent shake-up at Warner Music Group, focusing on leadership changes in the UK. The vibrant UK live music scene is thriving, fueled by superstars like Taylor Swift, though Katy Perry's ticket sales spark debate. A major topic is the fight against leechbots in ticket sales, exposing unethical practices in scalping. Meanwhile, Radiohead leads the charge with proactive measures to ensure fair ticket distribution, highlighting the ongoing struggle between artists and scalpers.
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WMG Centralizes UK Into U.S. Ops
- Warner Music Group moved UK labels to report into U.S. divisions to centralize resources and decision-making.
- Lars warns this risks relegating U.K. artists to second-class status despite promised U.S. access.
UK Live Growth Despite Festival Decline
- The U.K. live market grew 9.5% in 2024 despite 140 festival closures, driven partly by major tours.
- Lars highlights the 'Taylor effect' as a significant but not sole contributor to record live revenues.
Katy Perry: Big Sales, Mixed Reception
- Lars notes Katy Perry sold over a million Lifetime tour tickets while still being 'cringe' in public perception.
- He contrasts global instant sellouts (China) with uneven demand at some U.S. venues like Newark.
