Behind Closed Doors: Exclusive Dealings
The suit claims that, under Mayor Karen Bass’s supervision, the Department of Recreation and Parks struck an “illegal financial arrangement” with Ticketmaster and its corporate parent, Live Nation. Though the venue’s 2018 management agreement with ASM Global required an open-venue model, Trident argues ASM “quietly” surrendered exclusive ticketing and promotion rights to Ticketmaster and Live Nation.
By doing so, the complaint says, the Greek Theater abandoned transparency and embraced “below the radar arrangements” that violated city policy.
Recording Debacle and Alleged Breaches
The concerts were intended not only as performances but as recordings for a documentary and live album. But Trident alleges the Greek Theater breached its production duties, failing to record the first night entirely.
“A record of the Saturday night show does not exist, and this was absolutely critical to the purpose of the entire set of shows,” Trident charged.
Wider Fallout and National Context
The promoter links its grievances to a broader pattern, calling this the “fourth major mess” of the Bass administration, citing prior controversies involving fires, homelessness spending, and park accessibility.
Adding to the heat, the complaint notes that the Federal Trade Commission and several states recently sued Live Nation and Ticketmaster over hidden fees and scalper-friendly practices.
