The UK government wants to hear from you to secure the future of live music

The UK government has launched a fan-led review of live music in a bid to secure the industry’s future.

Today’s (June 4) announcement comes after industry leaders last month warned MPs that not enough progress was being made in the battle for venues and artists, and that the nation was falling far behind.

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The government hearing saw further calls for the much-discussed £1 ticket levy, and urgent action to fund grassroots musicians and gig spaces. In April, a report found that 93 per cent of music fans supported the proposed levy – which has already been implemented on major tours by the likes of Coldplay, Sam Fender, Mumford & Sons and Katy Perry.

The new fan-led review of live music to safeguard future industry success will bring fans together to discuss ideas and policies to protect grassroots live and electronic music.

Additionally, a CMS Committee Chair tables an amendment to the planning Bill to strengthen the rights of music venues in the planning process.

The review was announced by Culture, Media and Sport Committee Chair Dame Caroline Dinenage at the SXSW London festival, upon the recommendations from the predecessor committee’s report on grassroots music venues, published in the last Parliament.

The report amplified concerns by venue operators, touring artists and independent promoters regarding the financial precarity of the grassroots music sector, with venues shutting at the rate of two a week.

Per a press release, the fan-led review encompasses all aspects of live and electronic music. It will be chaired by Lord Brennan of Canton, a member of the previous committee, to bring music lovers together to talk about “ideas and policies to protect the industry and ensure it works in the best interests of fans”.

The review will also “consider the music fan experience, from the provision of live and electronic music through to considerations of safety, examine the sustainability of venues, and explore the barriers to touring faced by emerging artists”.

It’ll examine the effectiveness of existing policies too, and how different levels of government support live music.

Chair of the CMS Committee, Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, said: “Despite some headway being made on an industry-led levy to support grassroots music, venues are still shutting their doors at an alarming rate, while the government continues to stick its fingers in its ears when it comes to calls for a fan-led review.

“It’s time to put the power in the hands of those who truly understand and love live and electronic music – the fans, artists, DJs and festival goers, as well as those who work behind the scenes. They deserve a voice in shaping a thriving grassroots music scene and building a sustainable talent pipeline that ensures the UK music industry remains one of the UK’s global success stories.”

Dame Caroline has also tabled an amendment to legislation currently going through Parliament to strengthen the rights of music venues in potential noise disputes with new neighbouring developments.

The amendment to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill would put the so-called ‘Agent Of Change’ principle on a statutory footing, meaning existing businesses and facilities should not have unreasonable restrictions placed on them as a result of development permitted after they were established.

Dame Caroline continued: “Small music venues and nightclubs are already under immense pressure and the current planning system is only adding to their burden.

“Requiring local authorities to properly consider existing venues when approving new developments would be a game-changer. It would help protect the live music ecosystem and give these vital cultural spaces a real chance to survive and thrive.”

Mark Davyd, CEO, Music Venue Trust (MVT), commented: “As guidance, the ‘Agent Of Change’ principle has been a vital tool to protect grassroots music venues from the potential threats posed by redevelopment. It has, however, been poorly enforced and often completely overlooked, leading to many venues closing.

“By placing the ‘Agent Of Change; principle on a statutory footing, we will be able to ensure residents have high-quality housing and access to local culture, whilst also protecting the grassroots music venues at the heart of our towns and cities for future generations.”

Michael Kill, CEO, Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), added: “The night time economy is a vital part of the UK’s cultural and economic landscape, supporting thousands of businesses and millions of jobs. Putting the Agent of Change principle on a statutory footing is essential to protecting our venues from unfair closures and costly disputes.

“It ensures that new developments take responsibility for managing their impact, safeguarding the future of our grassroots music venues, clubs, and cultural spaces that are the heartbeat of our towns and cities.”

The predecessor Committee’s report found that of the 148 grassroots music venues lost in 2023, approximately 22 per cent closed due to operational issues, such as revocation of premises licences or unachievable licence renewal terms. Around 12 per cent shut down due to eviction or redevelopment.

At the start of this year, figures from the music industry demanded “action not words” from the government as the MVT launched its annual report in Parliament. Kate Nash – a patron of the MVT – performed live and delivered a speech. The singer-songwriter said artists not being able to afford to tour was a “fucking disgrace”.

Parliament also said in January that it was looking into a price cap on how much touts could resell tickets for, and shared an official consultation into the industry and controversial ‘dynamic pricing’ practices.

During last month’s governing hearing, Wolf Alice guitarist Joff Oddie argued that it was “callous” that ticket companies would add up to 20 per cent of hidden fees to tickets, but resist a £1 levy that would “essentially secure their future as a business”, as well as feeding back into the talent pipeline of the UK.

Looking at the perilous state of the touring circuit in the UK, he said that “cost is a big issue”.

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