The UK government has launched the first ever fan-led review into live music, as they look to accelerate the efforts to protect grassroots venues.
The review launched today (June 4) will explore a multitude of factors impacting the live music sector in this country. Specific matters at hand include “tackling venue closures, unaffordable touring costs, safety at shows and the wider experience of music fans.”
This announcement will come as a sign of encouragement for industry leaders, as it shows much more urgency towards these issues than previous governments have. Just last month, MPs were warned at a committee that not enough progress was being made and that the nation was falling behind.
The proposed £1 ticket levy on all gigs at arena level and above was a contentious talking point at the committee last month, after a survey in April found that 93% of music fans agree with introducing such legislation.
Many groups and charities have been urging the government to enact statutory change, claiming the current measures are just not enough. Music Venue Trust (MVT), a charity which acts to “protect, secure and improve UK grassroots music venues”, have been one of the most out-spoken groups on the matter.
In a response to todays announcement, MVT said: “This review came as a direct response to long-standing concerns raised by venue operators, artists, promoters and campaigners, including MVT. It is a vital chance to put sustainability, fairness and access at the heart of the live music industry.”
The fan-led review was announced by Culture, Media and Sport (CMS) Committee Chair Dame Caroline Dinenage, following on from recommendations made by the previous parliament.
Speaking on the importance of the new review, 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.”
Dame Carloline also revealed that she has tabled an amendment to legislation currently going through parliament, where she intends to strengthen the rights of music venues in cases of noise complaints with new neighbours.
If the ‘Agent Of Change’, which it’s been named, passes through parliament, it will be welcomed by nightlife venues up-and-down the country, especially in London after March’s announcement of designated ‘quiet zones’ being introduced in an effort to appease local residents.
Utterly pathetic. Westminster councillors – Soho! the West End! – launch a plan “encouraging venues to host ‘quiet nights’ with reduced noise levels, dimmed lighting” & less drinking.
If people living in flats in the centre of one of the world’s biggest cities want “quiet… https://t.co/XC7XXwZa34
— Benjamin Butterworth (@benjaminbutter) March 13, 2025
Michael Knight, CEO of Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), emphasised the need for such legislation, saying: “Putting the Agent Of Change principle on a statutory footing is essential to protecting our venues from unfair closures and costly disputes.
“It ensures that new developments take responsibility for managing their impact, safeguarding the future of our grassroots music venues, clubs, and cultural spaces that are the heartbeat of our towns and cities.”
Whether the newly announced review is urgent and powerful enough to save venues – such as The Leadmill in Sheffield which recently announced it’s upcoming closure – is a question that only time will answer. Industry leaders will, however, be praying that it leads to true legislative change.
