Jack Antonoff Rips Corporations That ‘Monopolize’ the Concert Industry: ‘Chill the F—k Out’

Jack Antonoff says the concert industry has been distorted by major corporate interests that are effectively trying to “monopolize the whole f—king thing,” leaving less room for smaller shows to be viable for working musicians.

In a musicians-on-musicians discussion with Hayley Williams published by Rolling Stone on October 16, 2025, Antonoff reflected on how the live-music landscape has shifted over time. He said he’s witnessed the industry from every angle and asked bluntly, “Why is drawing a few hundred people not an honest living?”

Williams agreed that consolidation has harmed local scenes, noting that her favorite street in Nashville has been “obliterated” by corporate encroachment and the changes it brings to independent venues.

Antonoff argued that the solution is simple in principle — corporate operators should not extract so much from the ecosystem. “They have to make a little less money,” he said, emphasizing that shows should center on treating attendees like people and preserving the atmosphere that makes live nights special.

He recalled an earlier era when venues protected the vibe and problematic staff were quickly removed, creating a safer, more respectful environment for fans and performers alike.

Antonoff has repeatedly criticized industry practices that hurt artists’ incomes. In 2022 he called out venues for taxing merchandise sales on social media, calling merch “literally the only way you make money when you start out touring.” At the 2023 Grammys he also slammed dynamic ticket pricing, asking why fans can’t buy tickets at prices set by artists themselves.

His comments add to a growing chorus of musicians pushing back against policies and business models that make it harder for grassroots touring and independent venues to survive.

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