Music Business Worldwide

The latest music news from Music Business Worldwide, News, jobs and analysis for the global music industry and on artists new releases and where to get new mp3 songs.

1. From UMG’s deal with superfan platform EVEN to Live Nation’s $25B in 2025… it’s MBW’s weekly round-up

   The biggest headlines from the past few days...

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2. Virgin Music Group completes Downtown acquisition; Pieter van Rijn named COO as Downtown founder Justin Kalifowitz steps away

   Pieter van Rijn appointed Chief Operating Officer of VMG

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3. Live Nation says Ticketmaster breakup threat is already over, calls for DOJ settlement: ‘It’s time to move on.’

   Live Nation's EVP of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs, Dan Wall, said the company is "ready" to reach a deal with the DOJ and state attorneys general

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4. Live Nation annual revenues top $25B in 2025, up $2B YoY, with adjusted operating profit of $2.4B

   Another banner year for Michael Rapino's company – complete with a US vs. non-US milestone

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5. Chris Welz named partner at Secretly Distribution after company’s ‘biggest year ever’

   The longtime COO steps into ownership after two decades at the independent distributor.

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6. Meet Jake Basden, CEO of HYBE AMERICA Nashville’s Blue Highway Records: ‘I bring a manager’s mentality to the position.’

   MBW caught up with Basden for an exclusive interview...

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7. Sphere Entertainment’s revenues topped $1.2bn in 2025, up 8% YoY; Wizard Of Oz has generated $290M since August launch

   The Las Vegas venue's concert residencies in 2025 included the Eagles, Dead & Company, and the Backstreet Boys.

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8. Sony Music France acquires Paris-based indie label and publishing company Spookland

   Spookland will transition into Bleu Revolver, which will continue operating as an independent label in partnership with Sony Music Group France.

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9. Live Nation loses bid to dismiss DoJ antitrust lawsuit, trial set for March

   US District Judge Arun Subramanian granted Live Nation's motion for summary judgment on some claims while allowing others to proceed.

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10. AWAL strikes global distribution deal with Italy’s Artist First

    Artist First will offer local marketing and promotional services to AWAL artists looking to break into the Italian market.

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