Select Committee launches fan-led review of live music

A Select Committee is launching a new fan-led review of live music in the country amid continued worries over the future of nightlife culture.

The review was announced by Culture, Media and Sport Committee Chair Dame Caroline Dinenage at the first edition of SXSW London this week.

It will be chaired by Lord Brennan of Canton and ask fans to bring ideas forwards that can help “protect the industry and ensure it works in the best interests of fans”.

Dinenage 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.”

She added: “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.”

Dinenage has also tabled an amendment to legislation currently passing through Parliament, with the aim of strengthening live music venues’ ability to battle noise disputes with neighbours.

It would allow the ‘Agent of Change’ to gain a statutory footing, with existing venues able to avoid unreasonable restrictions from planning developers and nearby businesses.

Mark Davyd, the boss of the Music Venue Trust, said: “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.”

Last November, the UK’s live music industry was urged by the government to introduce a levy on all stadium and arena tickets to help the future of grassroots venues.

In the wake of the DCMS select committee report on grassroots music venues earlier in 2024, Creative Industries Minister Sir Chris Bryant called on the live music industry to support the introduction of a voluntary levy on all stadium and arena tickets which will help support grassroots venues, festivals, artists and promoters across the UK.

It came after Coldplay announced that 10 per cent of proceeds from their UK stadium tour this summer will go towards the MVT, while Sam Fender’s 2024 arena tour saw £1 from every ticket sold going towards the organisation.