Gigs and Live Performances

Whether you are playing at festivals, performing for weddings or busking in the streets, are just starting out playing live, or you have been doing it all your life – we have advice for your career as a live musician.

Guidance and advice

Working as a Live Performer

Advice on major areas of career of a live musician.

Rates of Pay for Live Engagements

We recommended how much you should charge for your work as a minimum

Contracts for Live work

Use MU contract templates to ensure the terms of the gig are in writing

Fair Play Guide

Touring Abroad

Health and Safety at Work

Career as a live musician

6 Top Tips on Negotiating Your Gig Fee

Negotiating the right fee for your next gig can be a tricky business, but can also be an essential part of your career as a musician.

Getting the Most Out of Music Festivals

How to apply for and get the most out of music festivals.

Working with Agents and Managers

Learn about working with others in the music industry and what you need to look out for.

Starting Out Gigging

How to start playing live music, from rehearsals to your first gig.

Working in a Wedding Band

For good function bands, weddings can offer an abundant and decently paid source of work.

A Guide to Freelancing

Learn how to manage your work and navigate aspects of the music industry when working as a freelance musician.

How to Capitalise on Your Success

Some takeaways from a masterclass on how to do capitalise on your success with advice from Dave Murkage, Olly Ward The Agency Group and Kweku 'Que' Quakyi.

Supporting musicians who perform live

If you’re performing your own original music, working in covers bands, function bands, tribute bands or busking, the Musicians' Union can support you. Use our template standard contracts to protect your rights when you’re being engaged, and get advice on how much you should be paid.

Member services for live musicians

Access Expert Contract Advice

The MU can help you make sure the contract you sign is fair and includes all of the necessary clauses

Receive £10m in Public Liability Insurance

Protection against legal liability for damages following injury to a third party person or damage to property at work

Get Legal Advice for Bands

Protect yourself and your band mates with our Partnership Advisory Service.

Protect Your Hearing Health

Access musician-specialist audiologists and bespoke hearing protection at an affordable price

Recover Unpaid Fees

Advice on how to approach an engager, legal assistance and more

Get £3K Cover for Your Instruments or Equipment

MU members can protect their music instruments and equipment anywhere in the world

Latest news and features

Artist Applications for Wide Days 2026 Now Open

Artists and music creators of any genre based in Scotland can now apply for the Wide Days showcase programme for 2026. There are two opportunities available to apply for: the Talent Development Programme and the New From Scotland showcase slot.

Published: 10 November 2025

Lisa and Naomi on the MU's stand at Labour Party Conference in 2024, they are against a black and yellow backdrop that says 'We are the MU' and 'We are Union strong'.

MU General Secretary Meets Culture Secretary to Discuss Arts Funding and AI

Naomi Pohl discussed the challenges facing musicians, including the impact of AI, funding shortfalls, and industry standards.

Published: 06 November 2025

Swansea Council Launches Music Friendly City Audit to Support Live Music

Help shape the future of live music in Swansea by taking part in the Music Friendly City Audit. Three surveys are available – for the public, musicians, and those working in the music sector.

Published: 06 November 2025

A photo of musicians at a protest in Leicester Square, holding up banner and signs.

Luke Silva Posts Video in Support of Westminster Busking Campaign

Busker Luke Silva backs the campaign for new viable and accessible busking pitches in Westminster in his latest video.

Published: 05 November 2025

Crowd with hands raised in a small venue watching a band on stage, the image is cast in a pale yellow glow from the stage lights.

Culture, Media and Sport Committee Launches Fan-Led Review of Live Music

As part of the MP-led review, fans are invited to complete a survey about their live music experiences to help shape policy, support touring artists and grassroots venues, and secure the future of UK music.

Published: 16 October 2025

Read all live news

I realised the MU would help me achieve my ambitions faster and better by providing connections, legal support, and access to insurance for my instrument.
Oscar YorkDrummer and a music scholar

There are times when my tap work is more musician-based than dance, and I hope to be able to pave the way for others to recognise the relationship of tap dance as a percussive instrument within a band.
Annette WalkerMultidisciplinary performer

A lot of the time when you play gigs you get dodgy deals, or they don’t want to pay you and it’s great to know that’s not right.
Amanda DalMulti-genre drummer

Contact the Musicians' Union today

The MU has a network of experienced teams available to help musicians in all areas of the industry. If you have any questions about our services, membership or how the MU could help you, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Contact the MU

Live guides

Last updated:
16 October 2020

Fair Play Guide

guide

Engagement Booking for Unsigned and Emerging Artists

guide

Last updated:
19 October 2020

Performing and Touring with Featured Artists

guide

Last updated:
11 June 2025

Emerging and Independent Artists’ Festival Code of Conduct

guide

Last updated:
19 October 2020

Performing and Touring with Featured Artists

guide

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Popular searches

Gigs and Live Performances

Guidance and advice

Working as a Live Performer

Rates of Pay for Live Engagements

Contracts for Live work

Fair Play Guide

Touring Abroad

Health and Safety at Work

Career as a live musician

6 Top Tips on Negotiating Your Gig Fee

Getting the Most Out of Music Festivals

Working with Agents and Managers

Starting Out Gigging

Working in a Wedding Band

A Guide to Freelancing

How to Capitalise on Your Success

Supporting musicians who perform live

Member services for live musicians

Access Expert Contract Advice

Receive £10m in Public Liability Insurance

Get Legal Advice for Bands

Protect Your Hearing Health

Recover Unpaid Fees

Get £3K Cover for Your Instruments or Equipment

Latest news and features

Artist Applications for Wide Days 2026 Now Open

MU General Secretary Meets Culture Secretary to Discuss Arts Funding and AI

Swansea Council Launches Music Friendly City Audit to Support Live Music

Luke Silva Posts Video in Support of Westminster Busking Campaign

Culture, Media and Sport Committee Launches Fan-Led Review of Live Music

Contact the Musicians' Union today

Live guides

Fair Play Guide

Engagement Booking for Unsigned and Emerging Artists

Performing and Touring with Featured Artists

Emerging and Independent Artists’ Festival Code of Conduct

Performing and Touring with Featured Artists