Seatwave: MCT splits with Ticketmaster over Seatwave deal

German concert promoter The MCT Agency has ended its relationship with Ticketmaster following the latter's recent takeover of resale site Seatwave.Ticketmaster signed a long-term deal with MCT and the company's new online ticketing partner Tickets.de last year. However, Music Business Worldwide reports the Berlin-based firm has now terminated the agreement after becoming frustrated over seeing its tickets sold on Seatwave.MCT is currently promoting tours by acts such as Bjork (pictured), Nick Cave, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and Damien Rice.Live Nation Entertainment-owned Ticketmaster, which also operates the GetMeIn resale platform, has defended its stance on secondary ticketing in response to the development. "We are driven by what fans want; more access to tickets and a greater level of choice," it says in a statement."Fan behaviour and technology are rapidly changing within the live events sector, especially in terms of how fans can buy and receive their tickets. "Seatwave is a ticket marketplace that responds to what fans want - the ability to buy and resell tickets when tickets are no longer available on the primary market or ticket holders can no longer use their tickets. Ticket holders set the price and list their tickets for resale, not Ticketmaster."Last year, prior to the Ticketmaster takeover, Seatwave removed all personalised tickets for six Robbie Williams concerts in Germany after a successful legal challenge by the German Federal Association of Concert Organisers, who argued the sale violated the tickets' terms and conditions.