A new investigation has revealed a series of hidden fees charged to concert-goers, at a time when live music operators are struggling to survive.

Four corners has called out fees charged by companies such as Live Nation, the world’s largest live entertainment company (ABC).

Distribution of tickets seen by Four Corners, consumers are not informed by Ticketmaster – owned by Live Nation – and its main competitor Ticketek, of a whole series of hidden fees.

In an example at the Palais Theater in Melbourne, tickets over $65 include a hidden service fee of $3.18 and a hidden booking fee of $6.77, before Ticketmaster then charges a visible transaction fee of over $7, or $17 for resale, plus $11 for ticket insurance.

“Spotify, TikTok, Live Nation, they are global entities… they are unaccountable in our country, they are barely regulated, they are very often unethical, they have no loyalty to Australia or to Australian artists said Midnight Oil frontman Peter Garrett.

Garrett has called on the Australian government to step in and regulate the industry as more than 1,300 music venues have closed since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a statement Live Nation said: “Our business model aligns with industry standard practices, ensuring costs for artists and fans are consistent with industry standards. »