Live Nation Layoffs

Live Nation, as expected, has begun staffing cuts with the completion of its recent merger with Ticketmaster, and multiple sources have told Pollstar that as much as 20 percent of its workforce could receive pink slips in an effort to eliminate “redundancies.”

In recent weeks, sources said, Live Nation ticketing and digital operations chief Nathan Hubbard traveled to regional offices to discuss efficiencies.

Pink slips have been reported at Live Nation’s San Francisco and Atlanta offices, as well as in the northeast and southwest regions.

Cuts in the Los Angeles office could not be confirmed at press time.

It’s believed most of the cuts would come from the ranks of accounting and marketing support staffs. But some well-known talent buyers are rumored to be headed for the unemployment line as Live Nation reportedly attempts to further consolidate booking functions.

In addition, it appears that some employment contracts are not being renewed as they expire. Pollstar has learned that Scott Gelman in the Chicago office was one such casualty, with his agreement reportedly having run out in January.

Gelman wasn’t immediately available for comment, nor was a spokeswoman for Live Nation Entertainment.

While it was widely reported in February that Philadelphia promoter Larry Magid also did not have his contract renewed, his case was not connected to the current streamlining.