UK/US: Heavy metal icon launches antitrust lawsuit against tying

On Wednesday, March 22, the heavy metal singer Ozzy Osbourne filed an antitrust lawsuit against producing company Anschutz Entertainment Group, Inc. (AEG), alleging the entertainment industry giant is illegally tying its venues in London and Los Angeles.

The complaint states that “the tying arrangement at issue is so explicit and brazen that AEG has given it a name: the ‘Staples Center Commitment.’ Through the Staples Center Commitment, AEG requires that artists and musicians cannot play London’s most essential large concert venue — the O2 Arena — unless they agree to play the Staples Center during the part of their tours that takes place in Los Angeles. Both the O2 and Staples are owned by AEG.”

Osborne says he tried to book O2 for the “No More Tours 2” tour and requested February 2019, only to be told that it was available with the condition he play a venue that fit the description of the Staples Center.

“Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy’s wife and business manager, publicly complained about having to sign the Staples Center Commitment, but AEG would not relent,” states the complaint.

So far, AEG has declined to comment.

Full Content: Rolling Stones

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