UPDATE 1-Live Nation CEO says ticket sales strong-CNBC

* Live Nation CEO says sales holding strong

* Expects merger with Ticketmaster to close by year-end

* Shares up 3 pct

NEW YORK, July 14 (Reuters) - U.S. concert ticket sales this summer were surprisingly strong despite a weaker economy, the head of concert promoter Live Nation Inc (LYV.N) said in a television interview on Tuesday.

Chief Executive Michael Rapino said on CNBC, sales were "holding very strong", helped by discounts like fee waivers it introduced as a recession-year break for customers.

The company's shares rose 3 percent in morning trade to $4.61.

Rapino also expects the company's merger with Ticketmaster Entertainment (TKTM.O) to close by the end of the year. The move, which has met with antitrust concerns from politicians and consumer groups, is currently being examined by the U.S. Department of Justice. (Reporting by Ritsuko Ando; Editing by Derek Caney)