Fifth Degree Tours #2 Files $65 Million Lawsuit Against Live Nation
Charlotte, NC / Los Angeles, CA — Fifth Degree Tours #2, an independent national concert promotion company led by veteran promoter Wesley Hunter, has officially filed a $65 million lawsuit against Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries. The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, alleges unfair business practices, breach of contract, intentional misrepresentation, unjust enrichment, and interference with an economic advantage.
The Jam Fest 2024 Incident
The case stems from the Jam Fest concert on July 20, 2024 at the PNC Music Pavilion in Charlotte, NC. The event, organized by Fifth Degree Tours as an HBCU scholarship fundraiser, faced severe weather just as the headliner prepared to perform.
According to the complaint:
Live Nation agreed to postpone the concert, publicly announcing a future date to fans and on its online platforms.
Days later, Live Nation unilaterally canceled the event, refunding ticket holders without consulting Fifth Degree Tours.
Fifth Degree alleges that while Live Nation retained concession, parking, merchandise, and ticket fee revenue, the independent promoter and its charitable partners lost critical funds.
This decision, the lawsuit claims, not only deprived the company and HBCU students of vital revenue but also damaged Fifth Degree’s reputation with artists, fans, investors, and future venues.
ALLEGATIONS AGAINST LIVE NATION
Fifth Degree Tours’ complaint outlines multiple grievances, including:
- Breach of Contract
Despite a signed venue agreement, Live Nation allegedly acted outside its authority. - Unfair Business Practices
By canceling Jam Fest while rescheduling similar concerts (such as Limp Bizkit at the same venue a week later), Live Nation is accused of discriminatory treatment. - Economic Interference
Fifth Degree’s future booking opportunities, including at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, were denied after Live Nation allegedly issued negative references. - Reputation Damage
A false cancellation notice published by Live Nation reportedly harmed the promoter’s credibility.
What Fifth Degree Tours Seeks
The lawsuit is demanding:
- $20 million in lost profits and economic damages
- $25 million in punitive damages
- Disgorgement of revenue Live Nation retained from ticket fees, concessions, and parking
Restoration of Fifth Degree Tours’ reputation and fair competition in the live entertainment industry
Statement from Wesley Hunter, CEO of Fifth Degree Tours
“This is about fairness, accountability, and protecting independent promoters. Live Nation’s decision not only robbed our company and investors but also took away vital scholarship funding from HBCU students. We cannot allow monopolistic practices to silence independent voices in the live entertainment industry.”
Legal Representation
Attorney Bryan J. Thomas of Thomas & Associates, representing Fifth Degree Tours, emphasized:
“Live Nation’s conduct was not just a breach of contract—it was deliberate, discriminatory, and damaging to the entire independent concert promotion industry. Our client is seeking justice, not only for their business losses but also for the charitable contributions that were stolen from HBCU students.”
About Fifth Degree Tours #2
Fifth Degree Tours #2, LLC is a national independent concert promotion company based in Charlotte, NC. Founded and led by Wesley Hunter, a veteran promoter with over 30 years of experience, the company has produced live events with some of the world’s biggest artists, including Jay-Z, Mariah Carey, Gwen Stefani, and Diana Ross.
The company remains committed to supporting communities, championing independent promoters, and creating live entertainment experiences that matter.