SEARCH DATE RANGE

SEARCH TERM OR WORD

 Full report here.

New research published today shows that over 26,000 permanent jobs will be lost in the live music industry before the end of the year if Government support is withdrawn. In addition, 144,000 FTE roles, including self-employed and freelance workers, will have effectively ceased to exist by the end of 2020.

Revenue into the industry has been almost zero since March and 2020 with a fall of 81% compared to 2019. This is four times the national UK average, where reductions across industries run at around 20%.

The “cliff edge” being faced by live music’s workforce is revealed in independent research conducted by Chris Carey and Tim Chambers for Media Insight Consulting. The report also reveals the positive impact of the Culture Recovery Fund, which has offered a lifeline to a range of businesses in the live music industry, but this is tempered by 80% of employees still being reliant on the furlough scheme which ends this month. 

The research, carried out on behalf of LIVE, the umbrella group representing the live music industry, found:

  • In 2019 live music supported 210,000 full-time equivalent roles, as well as tens of thousands of freelancers. 
  • In 2019, live music contributed £4.5 billion to the UK economy.
  • In 2020, revenue in the live music business will fall by 81%, and revenue has been close to zero since March.
  • 76% of live music employees were utilising the furlough scheme, as of Aug 31st, 2020.
  • 50% of permanent roles will be lost by the end of the year (26,100 jobs), while temporary and freelance roles have already been decimated.
  • The Culture Recovery Fund has had a significant impact, safeguarding around 10,000 at-risk employees (this is reflected in the headline statistics).  

 

Following the lockdown in March, and the ongoing Government restrictions on venues and events, many of those working within the live music sector have received no income at all. The new Tier 2 and 3 restrictions put further limitations on the sector reopening, though the sector is currently excluded from the Government’s Extended Job Support Scheme.

The recent indication from the Prime Minister that severe restrictions could be in place for a further six months will mean a full year with next to no live music or revenues. Yet in the Government’s latest financial support measures, those businesses most impacted by those Government restrictions, that cannot continue to profitably operate, stand to be supported the least. 

The industry is calling on the Government to ensure that it can benefit from the Extended Job Support Scheme, recognising that it too is closed due to Government regulation and guidance

Phil Bowdery, Chair, Concert Promoters Association, said: “We were one of the first sectors to close and we will be one of the last to reopen. We are currently caught in a catch-22 where we are unable to operate due to Government restrictions but are excluded from the Extended Job Support Scheme as the furlough comes to an end. If businesses can’t access that support soon then the majority of our specialist, highly trained workforce will be gone.”

Andy Lenthall, general manager of the Production Services Association, the trade association for people and companies involved in live production, says: “Those who have often found themselves overlooked and left behind throughout the last six months are the freelancers and self-employed – the people up and do the country that we rely on to bring us the live experiences we love. Things are becoming increasingly desperate for a great many people in the industry and Government needs to recognise that these crucial individuals need support.” 

Economist Chris Carey of Media Insight Consulting who co-authored the report adds: “From the artists on stage, to the venues, and the many specialist roles and occupations that make live music happen, this research shows clearly that the entire ecosystem is being decimated.” 

“The Culture Recovery Fund is a help, especially to grassroots music venues. However, larger companies are going to be hit harder and without ongoing Government investment in protecting this industry, the UK will lose its place as a cultural leader in live entertainment. Moreover, the skills we lose in this time will significantly hinder the sector’s ability to recover and return to driving economic growth and supplying UK jobs.” 

The report includes sector-specific data on artists, managers, promoters, booking agents, venues, festivals, ticketing companies and technical suppliers, as well as case studies from some of those affected, and comment from industry leaders.

-----------

LIVE (Live music Industry Venues & Entertainment) is an umbrella organisation that represents the UK’s live music business. It’s members include the Entertainment Agents’ Association, the Association for Electronic Music (AFEM), the Association of Festival Organisers (AFO) the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF), the Concert Promoters Association (CPA), the Music Managers Forum (MMF), the National Arenas Association (NAA), the Production Services Association (PSA) and the Music Venue Trust (MVT).

 

01 Jul 2025 | Press release

Open letter from WIN CEO to European Commission Vice-President Teresa Ribera

Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera European CommissionRue de la Loi / Wetstraat 2001049 BrusselsBelgium 30 June 2025 Dear Ms. Ribera, I am writing regarding the investigation by the Directorate-General for Competition into the proposed acquisition of Downtown Music Holdings LLC (Downtown) by Universal...more

01 Jul 2025 | Press release

Taylor Swift and Charli XCX Help Attract Record 23.5 Million Music Tourists Spending £10 Billion at UK Music Events - New Report Reveals

UK Music Calls on Communities to Get Behind Music in new Hometown Glory Report    Taylor Swift, Charli XCX, Bruce Springsteen, Sam Fender and Dua Lipa helped lure a record 23.5 million music tourists to concerts and festivals in the UK in 2024, a...more

01 Jul 2025 | Press release

BMG Brings Seeed catalog under one roof

  BMG has acquired the artist and label rights of the German band Seeed. The agreement covers their first five albums: New Dubby Conquerors (2001), Music Monks (2003), Next! (2005), Live (2006), and Seeed (2012).    With the release of Bam...more

01 Jul 2025 | Press release

Amazon Launches the Ultimate Oasis Fan Destination

Plus Chance To Win Tickets To Live ‘25 tour   Amazon announces exclusive CD and Vinyl products available to pre-order on July 8 - with up to 15% off selected CD, Vinyl, and Merch for Prime members in celebration of Prime Day (July...more

01 Jul 2025 | Press release

Apple Music celebrates 10 years with the launch of a new global hub for artists designed to foster creativity and connection

Tune in to Apple Music Radio for a broadcast celebration with hosts Zane Lowe, Ebro Darden, and special guests as they reminisce about their favourite moments from the past 10 years while looking toward the future     As Apple Music marks its...more

01 Jul 2025 | Press release

Casio Sessions applications close soon!

  With only one month to go applications to enter Casio Sessions 2025 are opened until the 31st July, 2025.  Musicians will compete to win a PX-S7000HM digital piano, one of Casio’s premium models worth £2,249, plus an exclusive studio mastering session...more

01 Jul 2025 | Press release

Zebralution Announces Promotions and New Appointments

William Hallström Promoted to Head of International Business Development in addition to current role as Senior Vice President (SVP) UK, Ireland & The Nordics Harry Barrett and Zhenya Ivanova Join Team in Key Sales & Marketing Roles Zebralution, the leading independent digital...more

01 Jul 2025 | Press release

Universal Music Group and the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music establish the Berry Gordy Music Industry Scholarship to honor the legacy of a music pioneer

The endowed scholarship builds on UMG’s Sounds of the Future initiative and The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of music industry leaders.    Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced...more

01 Jul 2025 | Press release

Sony Music Publishing Signs Global Deal with Breakthrough Singer-Songwriter Noeline Hofmann

  Sony Music Publishing announced today the signing of rising Canadian singer, songwriter, and musician Noeline Hofmann to a global publishing agreement. Noeline Hofmann has quickly garnered widespread acclaim across the country music scene with the release of her debut EP, Purple Gas,...more

01 Jul 2025 | Press release

Framework to feature Keinemusik's Adam Port for rare Hollywood Boulevard takeover

  The historic open-air performance marks Framework's third event on the iconic Los Angeles street, further solidifying their impact on LA nightlife   'Framework presents Adam Port on Hollywood Boulevard'Saturday, September 27, 2025 Pre-sale begins Wednesday, July 2 @ 10am PT before public on-sale...more

01 Jul 2025 | Press release

AEG officially takes the reins at Watford Colosseum following major refurbishment milestone

Watford Borough Council has officially handed over the keys of the refurbished Watford Colosseum to AEG Presents UK, marking the practical completion of the venue's multi-million-pound upgrade and a significant milestone in the Town Hall Quarter regeneration. With the building now...more

30 Jun 2025 | Press release

PPL makes payment of £96.7 million to 139,000 performers and recording rightsholders

PPL is making a Q2 payment of £96.7 million to 139,000 performers and recording rightsholders. This distribution is comprised primarily of payments for UK collections across public performance and broadcast licensing in 2024, as well as some additional revenue from international...more

27 Jun 2025 | Press release

HFA's Rumblefish Provides Music Rights Administration Services to ByteDance

HFA’s Rumblefish, a trusted provider of comprehensive music industry rights administration services, is pleased to announce that it has been engaged to provide data, licensing, and royalty management services to support ByteDance’s TikTok and CapCut products. TikTok is a social...more

27 Jun 2025 | Press release

Jack Delaney promoted to General Manager at Murray Chalmers PR

Jack Delaney has been promoted to the role of General Manager at Murray Chalmers PR, effective immediately. Jack will work with Murray in developing and implementing business operations whilst continuing to work on specific client accounts including Headie One, Lily Allen,...more

27 Jun 2025 | Press release

“Unimaginable in any other sector” - Impala’s Helen Smith on planned Downtown acquisition

Op-ed originally published on Music Ally on 25th June 2025 “Unimaginable in any other sector” All markets need big companies.  And the world’s biggest music company is more than that. UMG is innovative and bullish. And a great collaborator on so many issues.  The only question...more

27 Jun 2025 | Press release

Wise Music Group signs publishing deal with Gloria De Oliveira

  Wise Music Group is happy to announce that Gloria de Oliveira has signed an exclusive publishing agreement with Berlin-based Bosworth Music GmbH and Random Musick Publishing. Writing and performing music since childhood, Gloria de Oliveira’s creative journey has led her...more

27 Jun 2025 | Press release

ESNS turns 40: ‘Europe Calling’ to lead anniversary celebrations in January

ESNS TURNS 40: ‘EUROPE CALLING’ TO LEAD ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS IN JANUARY In a world marked by geopolitical tensions, cultural fragmentation and rapid industry shifts, Eurosonic Noorderslag (ESNS) will celebrate its 40th anniversary in January 2026 and responds with a strong, unifying...more

27 Jun 2025 | Press release

Cliff Fluet to Lead Board of Industry Leaders as Chair of Music Technology UK

Newly appointed board to include Helen Sartory, Beatport; Claire Mas, Spitfire Audio; Gareth Deakin, Sonorous Global   Music Technology UK (MTUK), the UK's only trade association dedicated to supporting music tech startups, today announced the appointment of Cliff Fluet as its inaugural Chair,...more

27 Jun 2025 | Press release

SymphonyOS Gives Maestro, its AI Marketing Assistant, a Powerful Upgrade

Reimagined marketing assistant launches as SymphonyOS teams up with Groover to offer artists more promo power   Artists at every stage of their journey now have a powerful new marketing tool to guide them: Maestro, the reimagined AI assistant from SymphonyOS. A...more

27 Jun 2025 | Press release

New board of the European Music Council elected

Within the frame of the Annual Meeting of the European Music Council the members have elected a new board on 26 June 2025, for the next 2 years.The EMC Board is now including 8 representatives of EMC members to decide on content...more

27 Jun 2025 | Press release

Universal Music Group named to Time's 2025 list of the 100 most influential companies

UMG’s inclusion in the TIME100 marks the first appearance of a major music company since the list’s inception   Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, was named to TIME’s fifth-annual TIME100 Most Influential Companies list, highlighting companies making an extraordinary impact around...more

27 Jun 2025 | Press release

StrmMusic Appoints Geoff Cubitt CEO of StrmMusic North America amid Global Expansion

Digital innovation leader takes the helm to accelerate StrmMusic’s growth in the US and Canada, establishes HQ in Chicago StrmMusic, the smart label supercharging artists’ trajectories, has announced the appointment of Geoff Cubitt as CEO of StrmMusic North America. The company...more

27 Jun 2025 | Press release

oiid Integrates Music AI to Scale Its Interactive Direct-to-Fan Apps

oiid, the company that makes artist branded superfan apps, has now integrated Music AI’s state-of-the-art stem separation technology into its artist-based apps.The integration will help artists at all stages of their careers to engage fans like never before, enabling fans...more

26 Jun 2025 | Press release

Wise Music Group signs Austrian/American composer Lukas Ligeti

Edition Peters, part of Wise Music Group, is delighted to announce the signing of composer, drummer, and visionary musical innovator Lukas Ligeti to its roster. Known for his groundbreaking work across genres and continents, Ligeti has forged a unique path through...more

26 Jun 2025 | Press release

Full dates & locations for all Official Oasis Live '25

Fan Stores revealed London, Birmingham, Edinburgh & Dublin store details revealed, alongside Manchester and Cardiff Official Oasis Live ‘25 merchandise collection unveiled, available to shop in store and online Exclusive brand collaborations, including ‘adidas Originals x Oasis’ Ahead of the sold-out Oasis world tour,...more

26 Jun 2025 | Press release

Outernet London - the UKs most visited cultural attraction - seeks naming rights partner

Outernet, the most visited cultural attraction in the UK announces today for the first time its search for a naming rights partner with branding opportunities across the entire Outernet district - right in the heart of central London. As well...more

26 Jun 2025 | Press release

Co-op Live becomes first European arena to launch Virtual Venue with Ticketmaster

Co-op Live has become the first arena outside of North America to launch Virtual Venue, Ticketmaster’s cutting-edge 3D tool that lets fans preview their view from seat before purchasing.   Powered by Ticketmaster, Virtual Venue allows fans to explore 360-degree views from...more

26 Jun 2025 | Press release

Sony Music Publishing Appoints Margherita Gnech as Managing Director of Italy

  Today Sony Music Publishing announced the promotion of Margherita Gnech to Managing Director of Italy, effective immediately. As Managing Director, Gnech will be responsible for overseeing creative and business operations across SMP Italy, driving the company’s growth and innovation in one...more

26 Jun 2025 | Press release

Symphonic Distribution and Humanable Announce Strategic Partnership to Protect Human-Made Music

Humanable, the patent-pending, artist-first solution to Generative AI’s (GenAI) disruption of the music ecosystem, has entered into a strategic partnership with Symphonic Distribution, a leading music technology and services company for independent labels, managers, and artists. Under the partnership, Humanable...more

25 Jun 2025 | Press release

Bucks signs admin deal with independent label Bigo & Twigetti

Digital-first classical and electronica label has earned over 500m streams over the last two years Bucks Music Group has signed an administration deal with London-based independent record label Bigo & Twigetti. Bigo & Twigetti mixes classical music, electronica, sound design and more....more

01 Jul 2025

  • WIN CEO writes to European Commission Vice-President over Universal's acquisition of Downtown (see Comment)

  • If Spotify truly champions discovery, it should champion fair compensation from the first stream (see Comment)

30 Jun 2025

  • Selected Glastonbury coverage (see News, Features, Showbiz, Reviews)

27 Jun 2025

  • Streaming is both retail and radio – it shouldn’t be (see Comment)

  • Impala’s Helen Smith on UMG's planned Downtown acquisition (see Comment)

26 Jun 2025

  • Retiring Arista CEO David Massey shares his top 10 career highlights (see Features)

  • Budweiser’s royalty loophole ad: How AI and social have changed the value of creators (see Comment)

25 Jun 2025

  • When did making music get so lonely? (see Comment)

24 Jun 2025

  • How will Taylor Swift’s masters ownership saga be remembered? (see Audio&Visual)

23 Jun 2025

  • The copyright war between the AI industry and creatives (see Comment)

  • Interview: Lyor Cohen, the head of YouTube Music (see Features)

20 Jun 2025

  • The ‘pure’ songwriter is disappearing – and it’s everyone’s problem (see Comment)

19 Jun 2025

  • What 20 years of YouTube reveals about creativity’s future (see Features)

18 Jun 2025

  • Welcome to entertainment’s ‘Mad Max’ era. Here’s where it leads (see Comment)