ETM Sues Ticketmaster, MTV Over Rock Tour

ETM Entertainment Network Inc., the nation’s second-largest live event ticketing distribution company, filed suit against Ticketmaster, a subsidiary of USA Networks Inc., Ticketmaster Online CitySearch and MTV in connection with their sale of tickets to the upcoming spring tour of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. ETM claims to hold exclusive ticketing rights. The suit also names Q Prime Inc., the band’s management company. ETM began ticketing operations with the 1995 tour of Pearl Jam, which sought to avoid using Ticketmaster in a dispute over service fees. The current dispute stems from an MTV-sponsored promotion in connection with the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ spring tour. MTV and Ticketmaster are selling general admission tickets through their Web sites as part of a three-day pre-sale before the tickets go on sale at box offices.