Kid Rock Urges US Ticket Price Caps Amid UK Reform

In a striking twist in the ongoing debate over ticket resale regulation, American rocker Kid Rock has thrown his weight behind European-style price caps, calling on U.S. lawmakers to protect fans from sky-high resale prices. Speaking before the Senate Commerce Committee on January 29, 2026, the musician—well-known for his support of former President Donald Trump—urged Congress to adopt a nationwide rule limiting ticket resale prices to just 10% above face value. This push comes at a time when both the U.S. and U.K. are grappling with the impact of touts and dynamic pricing models that have left many music lovers feeling priced out of their favorite events.

“In parts of Europe, resale ticket prices are capped,” Kid Rock told senators, as reported by CMU. “It seems to be working.” He didn’t mince words about the need for reform, adding, “Resale ticket price caps work and protect real fans.” The call for action was clear: American lawmakers should look to the example set by several European countries, where strict regulations have been implemented to curb the excesses of ticket touts—also known as scalpers in the U.S.

Ticket touting rules across Europe vary, but the trend is unmistakable. Some countries have instituted price caps, while others have gone even further, outright banning for-profit or unapproved resales. The intention behind these measures is to ensure that fans aren’t forced to pay exorbitant markups on tickets, especially for high-demand concerts and sporting events. In the U.K., the government initially considered a 30% profit cap on resale prices but has since shifted to a total ban on any profit from resale—a move that’s set to reshape the landscape for both buyers and sellers.

The U.K. isn’t waiting for new laws to take effect, either. On January 29, 2026, the Music Venue Trust—a charity dedicated to supporting grassroots music venues—launched Tickets9, a new “ethical” ticket resale platform. According to MusicTech, Tickets9 prohibits ticket resales above face value, allowing listings only at the original price plus a 12% booking fee and a £1 donation to the Music Venue Trust for events with more than 5,000 attendees. Sellers must upload proof of ticket purchase, adding a layer of transparency and security to the process.

“Grassroots music venues continue to face enormous financial pressure, and creating reliable, long-term income for the sector is essential,” said Denzil Thomas, Partnerships Manager at the Music Venue Trust, in a statement to NME. “Tickets9 have built direct support for our network into their platform from day one, ensuring that every qualifying resale contributes to keeping vital grassroots spaces open. This partnership gives fans an ethical option that makes a real difference to the places where new artists learn their craft.”

The £1 ticket levy isn’t just a token gesture. As of May 2025, more than £500,000 had been raised for the Music Venue Trust through this initiative, with high-profile artists like Diana Ross, Enter Shikari, Coldplay, and Sam Fender lending their support. Sam Fender alone helped raise over £100,000 during his September 2025 arena tour, demonstrating the power of collective action among artists and fans alike.

Back in the U.S., the Senate hearing was dominated by concerns over the dominance of Live Nation and its Ticketmaster subsidiary in both the primary and secondary ticketing markets. Dan Wall, Live Nation’s Executive Vice President of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs, echoed Kid Rock’s call for reform. “The ticket resale market cries out for reform,” Wall told senators, as reported by CMU. “We need clear, legally enforceable rules that put the content creators—artists, teams, etc.—in charge of what happens to the tickets to their events.”

Wall stressed the need for a consistent, nationwide approach, pointing out that the current patchwork of state laws leads to confusion and loopholes. Since 2024, Live Nation has publicly supported the introduction of resale price caps in the U.S., and the company has taken steps to combat bad actors in the resale market—particularly those who use bots to snap up tickets for in-demand shows before real fans have a chance.

However, Kid Rock wasn’t entirely convinced by Live Nation’s newfound advocacy. While he acknowledged the company’s public support for price caps, he questioned why Ticketmaster hadn’t already implemented such measures voluntarily on its own U.S. platform. “Where I’m confused is, I don’t think Ticketmaster needs a law passed to do this?” he said. The point was clear: while Ticketmaster’s U.K. platform already restricts resale to face value plus an administrative fee, the same isn’t true in the U.S. For Kid Rock, this “proves these companies have been reactive, not proactive.” He argued that only Congressional action would ensure meaningful change.

The issue of ticket resale regulation has become a flashpoint for fans, artists, and industry leaders on both sides of the Atlantic. In the U.K., the rise of dynamic pricing models and rampant touting has led to widespread frustration. The Oasis reunion, for example, drew particular ire from fans forced to pay inflated prices due to Ticketmaster’s pricing strategies. Tickets9’s launch is seen as a direct response to these concerns, offering a transparent and ethical alternative for concertgoers seeking to avoid being exploited.

For grassroots music venues—many of which have struggled to stay afloat in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing economic challenges—the support provided by the Music Venue Trust and platforms like Tickets9 is nothing short of vital. The £1 levy on ticket resales is more than just a fundraising tool; it’s a lifeline for the spaces where new artists get their start, ensuring that the next generation of musicians has a stage to perform on.

Meanwhile, in the U.S., the debate is far from settled. While there is growing bipartisan support for reform, the path forward remains uncertain. Live Nation’s critics argue that voluntary measures aren’t enough and that only robust, enforceable legislation can protect fans from predatory practices. Others worry about the potential unintended consequences of sweeping regulations, such as the emergence of black markets or the stifling of legitimate resale activity.

What’s clear is that the conversation is evolving rapidly. With high-profile voices like Kid Rock and major industry players like Live Nation calling for change, and with the U.K. moving toward a total ban on for-profit resales, the pressure is mounting on lawmakers to act. Fans on both sides of the Atlantic are watching closely, hoping for a solution that keeps ticket prices fair and puts the music—and the fans—back at the center of the live event experience.

As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether the U.S. will follow the U.K.’s lead or chart its own course. For now, the message from artists, fans, and grassroots venues is unmistakable: the time for meaningful ticket resale reform is now.