Maroon 5 Unfortunate Target of Live Nation Protests in Atlanta


Just three days into Maroon 5’s world tour, the internationally renowned pop group fronted by Adam Levine was the unfortunate recipient of protests by angry Live Nation stagehands. As reported by Digital Music News, stagehands working for Live Nation in Atlanta planned and organized a protest for the night February 19, when Maroon 5’s concert was scheduled.

The protesters, most of whom work as stagehands for Live Nation, cited poor working conditions, low wages, and lack of benefits as the reason behind the demonstration. Despite Live Nation offering benefits and union-level wages in other states, the concert promotion company outsources stagehand work in Atlanta to Crew One, which hires independent contractors instead of traditional employees.

Though not an uncommon practice, outsourcing labor results in contractors accepting a fixed rate with no benefits instead of working in a benefit-eligible position. Because Live Nation outsources stagehand positions in the state of Georgia, compensation arrangements must occur between Crew One and workers. Contractor attempts to negotiate rates and benefits with Crew One have thus far been unsuccessful.

Fortunately for Maroon 5, not all is lost. Fans still packed the Philips Arena on Thursday evening anxious to see Adam Levine and crew, despite the presence of protesters by the hundreds. Yesterday’s disruption received some media attention, but hasn’t negatively impacted Maroon 5’s tour thus far, which officially kicked off in Dallas to a crowd of thousands, Dallas News reports.

The hour and a half-long show at Dallas’ American Airlines Center set a precedence for the remainder of the band’s world tour, as fans enjoyed every minute of the Texas tour opener. As Inquisitr recently reported, frontman Adam Levine is modest about his success and does give credit where it’s due. In anticipation of his performance at the Grammy’s scheduled for February 22, Levine noted he wished he would have written the song ‘”Lost Stars,” which he performed alongside Keira Knightley.

After the public demonstration held during Maroon 5’s Atlanta set, Live Nation has not yet released an official statement about the protest. The lack of comment may be due in part to the company’s pending lawsuit, filed by a deceased Egyptian composer’s nephew, the Hollywood Reporter wrote. Should the family prevail, concert goers may no longer hear “Big Pimpin'” played at shows.

Allegedly, a sample sound in Jay Z’s hit “Big Pimpin'” was used without permission from the original owner. The composer’s nephew intends to prove both Jay Z and Live Nation have profited substantially from “Big Pimpin'” and is owed royalties. Following the Maroon 5 incident, it’s unlikely Live Nation will issue a statement about either occurrence before the start of the weekend.

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