The UK government is stepping up its support for grassroots music venues by calling for the introduction of a voluntary levy on tickets sold for concerts at stadiums and arenas. This initiative, led by Creative Industries Minister Sir Chris Bryant, aims to address the challenges faced by the country's grassroots music sector, which has seen significant venue closures and job losses, particularly exacerbated by the pandemic and rising inflation.
This call to action emerges from the Culture, Media and Sport (CMS) Committee, which previously reported on the struggles of grassroots venues, noting the alarming rate of two closures per week. The government acknowledges this crisis, emphasizing the need for the live music industry to invest back the profits generated from major events to maintain and secure the future of smaller venues, festivals, and the artists who flourish within these spaces.
According to Bryant, grassroots music venues are “one of the UK’s most valuable and yet undervalued cultural assets.” These venues not only showcase new talent but also contribute to local economies by creating jobs and fostering community connections. Without a thriving grassroots music sector, the sustainability of the entire live music ecosystem is at risk.
Numerous high-profile artists, such as Coldplay and Enter Shikari, have already pledged to donate portions of their ticket sales to support grassroots venues. Coldplay has committed to giving ten percent of their profits from upcoming UK stadium shows to this cause. While these individual efforts are commendable, the government believes implementing an industry-wide levy within the ticket pricing would be the most effective solution.
The proposed levy, which could go live as soon as 2025, aims to offer more opportunities for new talent and solidify the financial health of local venues. The DCMS indicated there’s clear intent for this levy to be voluntary, led by industries, but with the potential for government intervention if such initiatives do not materialize rapidly.
Mark Davyd, the CEO of the Music Venue Trust, has expressed support for the government’s proposal, stressing the importance of industry-led contributions to keep live music accessible for fans across the UK. Davyd has been vocal about the need for guarantees to cushion current grassroots music operations, ensuring these venues can thrive and maintain the pipeline of talent progressing to larger stages.
While the initiatives proposed may seem positive, there’s pressure mounting for the government to set tangible deadlines for the industry to take meaningful action. The CMS committee has emphasized this urgency, stating it will hold hearings with key stakeholders if progress is not made within six months.
Dame Caroline Dinenage, chair of the CMS Committee, highlighted the stark reality facing local venues, with many struggling to stay afloat amid financial turbulence. She noted, “Without healthy roots, the entire live music ecosystem suffers,” which emphasizes the interconnectedness between grassroots venues and larger arenas, reaffirming the need for mutual support.
The government’s commitment to address these issues follows the funding announced for the Creative Industries at the Autumn Budget, which includes initiatives to help continue the Supporting Grassroots Music Fund. This fund allows grassroots venues, promoters, and recording studios to apply for grants, highlighting the government’s recognition of the challenges faced at this level.
With voices like those of David Martin, CEO of the Featured Artists Coalition, echoing the need for rapid implementation of the levy, it is apparent the music community is united behind the call for action to safeguard the sector. “The live music industry needs to deliver a blanket ticket levy at large-scale arena and stadium shows, we need to do it quickly,” Martin stated, emphasizing the pressing nature of the situation.
The urgent call to unite as a community to support grassroots music is echoed across various sectors of the industry, with many leaders pushing for swift reformation to protect venues, artists, and the overall cultural fabric of the UK’s music scene. With this collaborative focus, the hope remains strong for revitalizing the grassroots music industry, ensuring it continues to serve as the foundation for future stars.
Looking forward, the successful implementation of this levy could signify the beginning of recovery for many grassroot venues struggling under financial pressure, helping to realize the goal of sustaining live music and the vibrant culture it embodies for generations to come.
