They are saying each penny counts, and a low-cost UK ticket levy has confirmed that may be very a lot the case. The voluntary scheme was first launched final 12 months and requested artists to pay ahead simply £1 from each area or stadium ticket sale – and it has already helped increase £500,000 for grassroots venues.
In accordance with a brand new assertion from the LIVE Belief, the voluntary pledge of £1 per ticket has simply amounted to half one million kilos. Loads of artists have helped contribute in the direction of the determine, with Enter Shikari being one of many first acts to push for the levy in 2023. Since its official introduction, a slew of artists have voluntarily supported the scheme, from Diana Ross to Pulp.
The £1 pledge might be utilized to any area and stadium present with a capability of over 5000, and the scheme has acquired mass help from artists and followers alike.
Simply final week, a survey performed by Music Followers’ Voice discovered that, of the 8,000 music followers surveyed, 93% of respondents supported the levy. 99% of respondents additionally agreed that reside music is a crucial a part of UK tradition, and 30% mentioned they go to a grassroots venue month-to-month.
Jon Collins, the CEO of the LIVE Belief, has praised the general public’s help of the scheme. “This can be a welcome milestone for the LIVE Belief and marks a really important contribution to the grassroots reside music sector,” he says.
“What this demonstrates is that there’s a actual urge for food from performers and their groups to help the broader reside ecosystem and we applaud and thank people who have already taken this initiative,” he provides. “While this is a superb begin there’s nonetheless a lot work to do if we’re to persuade authorities {that a} voluntary slightly than statutory levy is each workable and sustainable.”
Alongside the levy, loads of artists have been elevating funds in help of grassroots venues. Singer Kate Nash has been notably vocal as of late, talking up about venue closures and the prices of being a touring musician.
“We’re nearly at collapse,” she instructed NME final 12 months. “It may well solely go on to be one thing all of us complain about behind the scenes for thus lengthy till you begin to see it crumble.”
“The fact is that touring is making losses, not revenue. The grassroots is in absolute disaster. Venues are closing, festivals are being cancelled. Individuals are considering, ‘What’s the purpose in beginning a band?’ and ‘How can I as an artist stick with it?’”
