Government back arena ticket levy to save grassroots music – but urgent deadline is needed to prevent “an even gloomier future”

nme.com:

was recommended by MPs after a DCMS investigation back in Spring.The likes of Coldplay, Enter Shikari and Sam Fender have all adopted a levy of their own on huge tours to help save the grassroots, after 2023 proved to be “disastrous” and the worst year on record with 125 grassroots music venues shutting their doors – a rate of two per week.

The Music Venue Trust argued that a tidal wave of closures threatens the fabric of the UK music scene thanks to the recent budget announcement, with the circuit and artists already suffering from “the complete collapse of touring“.After frustration grew about the inaction of the upper echelons of the live music industry – who continue to report record profits – now the CMS committee have penned a letter that “welcomes the government’s recognition of the need for a levy and statement that the government reserves the right to step in if an industry-led solution is not forthcoming in 2025” – but voices “concerns that these long-term reforms will not address the short-term, mutually reinforcing rate of closures and cost of touring”.As a result, there are now “calls for clarity on how long the industry has to take action before the government itself steps in”.

In a letter to the Secretary of State Lisa Nandy, Committee chair Dame Caroline Dinenage MP has stated that if no significant progress is made, it will hold a hearing with the sector in six months’ time.“The sheer number of venues in our local communities being forced to shut up shop each week has hammered home the stark reality of the struggles facing artists, promoters and others working in grassroots music,” said Dinenage. “There are warnings of an even gloomier future.“While the Government has dialled up the volume on the message.