Bands criticise Live Nation over merchandise cut

This year’s edition of the Danish Metal festival Copenhell, taking place next week in Copenhagen, features a unique joint performance by SYL and EYES, where the two bands will alternate songs on stage in a high-energy, collaborative set. However, behind the scenes, tensions have surfaced over the festival’s merchandise policy.

According to SYL frontman Benjamin Clemens, the band has opted not to sell merchandise on site due to the 25% cut taken by Live Nation Denmark, which promotes Copenhell. Instead, SYL and EYES will offer merchandise for sale in advance of the festival.

“We have a zero-tolerance policy on merchandise cuts, regardless of who the organizer is,” Clemens told TV 2 Kosmopol. “The organizer hasn’t contributed to the design, production, or financial risk of creating our merchandise. When we bring a product they only help sell, we can’t accept them taking a commission.”

Clemens emphasized that the band prioritizes ethically made, high-quality merchandise, which adds to production costs and limits their profit margin. “If we have to give away 25% to the promoter, it simply doesn’t add up,” he said.

In response, Copenhell festival director Jeppe Nissen acknowledged the bands’ decision but defended the policy. “We booked SYL and EYES because we believe in their talent and look forward to their show. Copenhell is a launchpad for artists, giving them exposure to Denmark’s largest metal audience—that’s our main role,” he said.

Nissen added that the 25% commission on merchandise has been standard practice since the festival began in 2010 and helps support overall operations. “If they don’t want to sell their T-shirts at the festival, that’s completely fine,” he said.

The dispute highlights ongoing debates in the live music industry about artist compensation and festival revenue models, particularly for smaller acts balancing exposure with financial sustainability.