23rd January 2025
The latest report from the Music Venue Trust paints a concerning picture for the future of live music in the UK. Grassroots venues, the lifeblood of the UK’s live music scene, are under threat, and the touring circuit is shrinking. Over the past 30 years, the number of locations available for live performances has nearly halved, leaving parts of the UK disconnected from the vibrancy and creativity of live music.
Cities like Leicester, Edinburgh, Bath, and Hull have fallen off the touring map, with a sharp decline in the number of live shows being performed. This trend not only impacts the cultural landscape but also results in declining ticket revenues, further threatening the survival of grassroots venues.
Key Findings from the Report:
🚨 Drastic Decline in Touring Locations:
The report reveals that the number of touring stops has dropped dramatically from 28 locations in 1994 to just 12 in 2024. This means that fewer cities are seeing live shows, with a concentration of performances now limited to a small group of major cities. This is having a devastating impact on the diversity and accessibility of live music across the country.
🚨 Declining Live Shows and Ticket Revenues:
Total live shows have dropped by 8.3% since 2023, and ticket revenues have seen a more significant decline of 13.5%. This trend further emphasises the unsustainable pressure on venues that are struggling to stay afloat amidst rising costs and diminishing returns.
🚨 Razor-Thin Profit Margins:
Grassroots venues are operating on razor-thin profit margins, with an average of just 0.48%. A staggering 43.8% of these venues are reporting losses, a clear indication that they are finding it harder than ever to survive. These venues not only provide essential opportunities for up-and-coming talent, but they also play a pivotal role in connecting local communities with live music. Their decline signals a wider crisis for the music industry as a whole.
The Need for Urgent Action:
The report underscores the urgent need for action to protect grassroots music venues. While the proposed voluntary ticket levy on stadium shows could provide some much-needed funding, it’s clear that more practical interventions are necessary to ensure the survival of these vital venues. Grassroots music is the foundation of the UK’s live music scene, and without it, the next generation of talent may have nowhere to grow or perform.
The Time for Action is Now:
The music industry, particularly at the grassroots level, is facing a critical juncture. The decline of these venues poses a serious threat not only to the local music scene but also to the future of UK music on the global stage. Grassroots venues foster creativity, community, and a sense of belonging, and their survival is essential to the ongoing cultural health of the UK.
We must protect the spaces where artists develop their craft, audiences experience live music, and communities come together. The time for action is now. Let’s ensure that the next generation of talent has the opportunity to flourish in an environment where live music can thrive. It’s time to act before it’s too late.
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