Over 8,000 people ranging from 18 to over 55 years-old took part in the survey which was commissioned by local authorities in eight UK cities such as The Mayor of London, Cardiff City Council and Glasgow Music City. The report has been described as a “chance for audiences to have a say in the future of live music.”

The findings are sure to give a sense of optimism to those within the music industry with an overwhelming majority agreeing on bringing in certain rules and legislation to support musicians and venues.

The first findings in the report show just how important music is to people within this country, with over 99% agreeing that live music events are an important part of UK culture and 95% saying they are important to the UKs international reputation.

mxdwn.co.uk covered how the music industry contributed £7.6 Billion to the UK economy last year, with very little of that trickling down to support venues or musicians.

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Perhaps the most important part of the survey is the massive support for independent venues. The constant problems for grassroots sites has been evidently growing since the Covid pandemic.

Last year the ‘Music Venue Trust’ (MVT) discovered that a ‘disaster’ had hit independent venues. They revealed that in 2023, 125 UK venues had abandoned live music, with over half of them shutting their doors for good. Since Covid lockdowns, over 37% of all clubs throughout the country had permanently closed down, if this trend continues there would be ZERO night time venues left in the UK by New Years Day 2030.

These issues have been covered by mxdwn.co.uk – read here about how 10 nightclubs on average were closing down per week in 2024.

These worrying numbers are now starting to be noticed by people up and down the country. Of the 8,000 surveyed, 58% have witnessed the closure of a locally important venue since 2020, and the people have had enough.

94% of the respondents agree with bringing in laws to give music venues and nightclubs some form of protected status, with 85% saying that it is not right that venues are being shut down because of noise complaints made by newly moved-in neighbours.

 

 

 

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One of the most promising findings is the overwhelming support for the proposed ‘Premier League style’ £1 ticket levy – which would see arena-sized venues and above “paying back into the ecosystem to help the talent pipeline flow”.

A staggering 93% strongly agree with bringing in this levy which has been backed by the likes of Coldplay, Sam Fender and Katy Perry.

It is not only venues that need all the help they can get, as up-and-coming musicians are also struggling to make a living in the current economic climate.

A group called the Featured Artists Coalition (FAC) is attempting to tackle this by running the ‘100% Venues’ scheme . This campaign gives venues the opportunity to sign up to give artists 100% of their merch sales, tackling the growing problem of musicians missing out on well-earned money.

David Martin, CEO of FAC, has backed the recent survey, saying: “ The results of the Music Fans’ Voice survey has one overriding message: the relationship between artists and fans provides the beating heart of live music. It’s their shared passion which drives music discovery, ticket sales, attendances, and in-venue spending.”

 

 

 

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The hope within the industry is that these new findings will make the Government act by bringing in laws and legislation, something which the previous Government failed to do. MP Chris Bryant told NME recently: “We’re not asking whether to act, we’re asking how to act and what action to take.”

Only time will tell whether true change is brought in, but the obvious backing of the UK population is a big step in the right direction.

With a completion time of just 15 minutes, this survey is designed to be accessible to all UK residents who care about the future of live music. The collected data will be utilised to advocate for change at multiple levels, from local councils to national government policies and within pockets of the industry itself. The initiative is particularly crucial as grassroots venues continue to struggle, and parts of the country become increasingly isolated from live music experiences.

https://t.co/BYZ8hwVRw7  Music Fans’ Voice is a comprehensive quantitative survey, with qualitative elements, has been designed by CGA by NiQ, and has undergone four rounds of music industry feedback, with input from members of the LIVE and UK Music trade bodies.

— Music Fans’ Voice (@MusicFansVoice) February 3, 2025

Live music venues across the UK face mounting challenges, including rising operational costs, declining venue numbers, and accessibility concerns. Reports indicate that many regions are seeing a slump in touring circuit stops, leaving entire communities without access to live performances. Addressing these concerns is a priority, and the Music Fans’ Voice Survey aims to provide the public a data driven voice in meaningful policy change.

Commissioned by Greater Manchester Combined Authority, The Mayor of London, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, West Midlands Combined Authority, Tees Valley Combined Authority, Cardiff City Council, Belfast City Council, and Glasgow Music City, this initiative reflects a collective effort to sustain and improve live music nationwide. It has naturally seen enthusiastic support from key UK city leaders, who have emphasised the importance of live music and this survey’s potential to shape the future of the UK music industry. 

The Music Fans’ Voice survey was commissioned by @greatermcr, @MayorofLondon, @LpoolCityRegion, @WestMids_CA, @TeesValleyCA , @CdiffMusicCity, @belfastcc and @GlasgowCC pic.twitter.com/T2E3b6JNVD

— Music Fans’ Voice (@MusicFansVoice) February 3, 2025

These leaders recognise the significance of live music in their communities and are encouraging fans to participate:

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, highlighted the cultural and economic importance of music to the region: “Music has always been central to Greater Manchester, whether through culture, identity, or its huge economic contribution. However, music is nothing without its fans. We want to hear from music fans across Greater Manchester and the country to properly understand their views and thoughts about the UK music sector.”

Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, emphasised the urgency of supporting grassroots venues: “Our live music industry is world-renowned, with an incredible diversity of artists performing in venues of all sizes every night. However, grassroots venues continue to face significant challenges. This survey is a fantastic opportunity for music lovers to have their voices heard, helping us build a better London for everyone.”

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, reinforced Liverpool’s legacy in live music: “The Liverpool City Region has always been at the heart of live music in the UK, and I’m proud to support this initiative, which will give music fans a real voice in shaping the future of our vibrant music scene.”

Katie Duffy, Senior Arts and Music Programmes Manager at Glasgow Life, highlighted Glasgow’s rich music heritage: “As the UK’s first UNESCO City of Music, Glasgow offers one of the most immersive live music experiences in the world. Live music is part of our city’s identity, bringing communities together, supporting jobs, and driving our visitor and night-time economies.”

 

 

 

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The Music Fans’ Voice Survey is modelled after successful Football Supporters’ Association surveys, which have significantly influenced football governance and fan engagement. By adopting a similar approach, the initiative seeks to ensure that music fans are at the heart of discussions about ticketing, venue accessibility, and the future of live performances.

Music lovers across the UK are encouraged to take part in this first-of-its-kind survey. Their feedback will be instrumental in shaping the policies and initiatives that will sustain and improve the UK’s live music ecosystem.

For more information and to take the survey, visit: Music Fans’ Voice Official Website.

This is an unprecedented opportunity for fans to make a real impact on the future of live music in the UK. Don’t miss your chance to have your say.