Marshall Amplification Co-Founder Terry Marshall makes £100,000 Pledge to 'Own Our Venues'

24 July 2025 - Press release

Significant donation made to help protect grassroots music venues amid call for wider industry to support emerging talent.

Terry Marshall, co-founder of Marshall Amplification, and his wife Lesley, have made a personal donation of £100,000 to Own Our Venues, the groundbreaking funding initiative launched by Music Venue Properties (MVP).

Own Our Venues was originally launched in 2023 and raised £2.88 million to secure the future of five grassroots music venues (GMVs) by placing them into community ownership, protecting these vital cultural spaces from the instability of commercial landlords and ensuring they remain affordable, accessible, and artist-first. The overarching aim of the campaign is to provide long-term stability to venues that are essential for fostering local talent and providing cultural value to existing, local infrastructure.

Music Venue Properties recently announced a new £3 million fundraising Own Our Venues campaign with the stated aim of protecting a further seven iconic GMVs: The Joiners (Southampton), Bedford Esquires, The Croft (Bristol), The Sugarmill (Stoke), Peggy’s Skylight (Nottingham), The Pipeline (Brighton), and The Lubber Fiend (Newcastle).

The campaign has already garnered widespread support from fans, artists, and local communities. Terry Marshall’s involvement adds a powerful voice from one of the most respected names in music innovation, further highlighting the urgency and importance of the cause and provides a major boost to the campaign.

Terry Marshall, who worked on the first Marshall amp, the legendary JTM45 said, “Small venues have played a vital role over the years in my long career as a professional sax player, and, of course, created the path to success for countless other musicians too. But so many have closed their doors since I first started out at the age of 14. My wife, Lesley, and I get to grassroots venues whenever we can, as we both appreciate live music close up and personal. (I still do the occasional guest appearance at 81.) We hope that future generations of musicians and music lovers will be able to have these amazing experiences too. That’s why we’re supporting “Own Our Venues” with a substantial contribution. With enough support from others in the music industry and fellow artists, Own Our Venues can make that hope a reality. It’s up to you.”
Matt Otridge, COO of Music Venue Properties, welcomed the news saying “Grassroots venues are where careers begin and ensure communities have access to local, live music. They’re rehearsal spaces, testing grounds, and second homes for countless artists. That’s why Terry and Lesley’s incredible £100,000 donation is more than generous, it’s leadership. It shows the deeply personal impact these spaces have on everyone and reminds the music industry that we all have a role to play. Their contribution builds on the belief already shown by over 1500 community investors, and we’re proud to welcome them into the Music Venue Properties family.”

With investments available from just £50, everyone, from fans and artists to global music brands, can become co-owners of UK music culture, and help build a future where emerging talent continues to thrive.

For more information and to invest in the future of grassroots music venues please visit www.ownourvenues.com