Todd Martens interprets the press release announcing the merger of TicketMaster and Live Nation for the L. A. Times today. 

“The merger would create the most powerful and influential entity the music business has ever known. As manager, ticketer, venue operator, merchandiser and more, this giant would tap into revenues, if not outright control them, from virtually every source in the chain: live performance, merchandising, ticketing, content, sponsorships, licensing and digital,” Billboard’s Ray Waddell says.

It’s harrowing stuff and a lesson in doublespeak. For example:

The press release: 
Improve Access and Transparency: By uniting an artist, promoter and ticketing company under a combined banner, the new entity will be positioned to address the challenges of serving fans better at the point of the initial ticket sale with more options and better access.

What this probably means: 
We can charge you more, and give the best seats to those who buy VIP packages that include meet-and-greets with the band or autograph opportunities. And if you don’t spring for the VIP package, enjoy the view from the back of the concert hall.

The key here is the last part of the sentence: “address the challenges of serving fans better at the point of the initial ticket sale with more options and better access.” Expect a ramping-up of what’s been a distressing trend in the music biz. Interested in seeing Fall Out Boy? Great — perhaps you might want to spend more for one of two VIP packages available (more options!), which promise early entry and access to the band, including an autographed lithograph. The full VIP package goes for $150. The early entry VIP goes for $125.

The latter doesn’t include a punk rockin’ meet and greet, but you’re in the venue and in position before the pesky rock ‘n’ roll riff-raff with their $40 general admission tickets. And Fall Out Boy is on the low end of the spectrum; these VIP packages are pushing $500 for Britney Spears’ Staples Center date.