**The Live Nation Trial Resumes with a Bang in the United States** You might recall the recent drama surrounding the antitrust trial involving Live Nation and Ticketmaster, a deal that left many in the music industry on edge. While the Nigerian music scene may not be directly affected, the implications of this trial could have far-reaching consequences for ticketing and event management globally. The trial recently resumed after a chaotic week, with a new twist: the US Justice Department (DOJ) had surprisingly settled its claims with Live Nation-Ticketmaster mid-trial. This left dozens of states to take over the case, a move that initially met with resistance from the states themselves. They had requested a mistrial, fearing that the sudden change would prejudice the jury and make it difficult to continue the trial. However, the judge, Arun Subramanian, was not having it. He seemed likely to deny the request, which prompted the states to rethink their strategy. With the DOJ's expert witness retained and a new team of lawyers on board, the trial picked up where it left off. The new team, co-led by Jonathan Hatch from the New York AG's office and Jeffrey Kessler, a renowned attorney, began questioning witnesses. One of the key witnesses was Jay Marciano, the COO of AEG, a competitor to Live Nation in the music and entertainment industry. Marciano testified about Live Nation's aggressive tactics, which have been dubbed the "velvet hammer." This refers to the company's use of its market power to crush competitors and maintain its dominance in the industry. The trial's resumption marks a significant step forward in the effort to hold Live Nation accountable for its business practices. As the trial continues, we can expect to hear more about the company's strategies and tactics, and how they impact the music industry and consumers. While the Nigerian music scene may not be directly affected, the outcome of this trial could have implications for the growth and development of the industry in Africa. As the global music industry continues to evolve, it's essential to monitor developments like this trial and consider their potential impact on our own music ecosystem.