News & Stories for Musicians

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Protect Creative Work: AI Petition Passes 10,000 Signatures

The Creators’ Rights Alliance (CRA) has passed 10,000 signatures on its petition calling for greater transparency around copyrighted works used to train generative AI. The MU, a CRA member, fully supports the campaign, which is now aiming for 100,000 signatures.

Published: 28 August 2026

A hand under a diagram of symbols representing AI, discussion and ethics.

MU Supports Creators Emergency Summit to Protect Creative Livelihoods Against AI

The MU is supporting the Creators Emergency Summit, a one-day event exploring copyright, legal protections and collective action to tackle the growing impact of AI on creative livelihoods. Discounted tickets are available exclusively for MU members.

Published: 25 August 2026

Member only Read more about MU Supports Creators Emergency Summit to Protect Creative Livelihoods Against AI

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MU Welcomes Launch of Northern Music Export Office and UKAT Fund Boost

The MU has welcomed the launch of the Northern Music Export Office (NMEO), calling it a significant step towards creating more opportunities for musicians across the North and helping artists build sustainable careers at home while reaching audiences worldwide.

Published: 25 August 2026

Jack onstage as an older man, wearing a white shirt and playing trombone.

Tribute to John 'Jackie' Free

Jack Free was a talented trombonist who performed alongside some of the great names in jazz during a career spanning more than six decades. He was a proud and long-standing member of the Musicians’ Union, having originally joined in 1956. This tribute has been written by his son, Colin.

Published: 25 August 2026

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Take Part in European Folk Day 2026

Folk musicians are encouraged to take part in the 4th annual European Folk Day taking place on Wednesday 23 September 2026.

Published: 20 August 2026

Close up of a Germany visa stamp on a passport.

New Guidance for Musicians Working in Germany

New MU guidance outlines the rules for musicians working in Germany, including work permit exemptions, visa requirements and key considerations for performers accepting engagements in the country.

Published: 20 August 2026

Portrait of Jeff, smiling in a blue shirt.

Tribute to Jeffrey Raymond Wakefield

An accomplished professional violinist, Jeff Wakefield enjoyed a distinguished orchestral career and took great pride in his lifelong association with the Musicians' Union, of which he became a member in 1952. This tribute was written by his son-in-law, David Marcou.

Published: 14 August 2026

Young Black musician, wearing headphones, In the foreground is a recording mic and pop shield.

Meet the MU at PITCH Scotland 2026

Meet the MU’s Sam Jordan and Louise Stanners Pow at this year’s hip hop conference and festival, and learn more about copyright, sampling, ownership and collaboration.

Published: 13 August 2026

Blurry silhouette of a woman singing into a microphone.

BLACMEX Launches Music Mapping Platform to Build Visibility for Black Music Creators

BLACMEX has soft-launched a new platform for music creators working in Black music genres. Designed to help creators document professional activity and strengthen funding applications, the platform will also support a better understanding of Black music's impact across the UK.

Published: 12 August 2026

Martin, sat at the table of a formal dinner, dressed in a suit, smiling.

Tribute to Martin Bowen

Martin Bowen enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a professional bassoonist and was deeply committed to the Musicians' Union. After joining in 1973, he served with dedication as an MU Steward for BBC NOW. This tribute has been written by his brother-in-law, John.

Published: 06 August 2026

Discount for MU Members at Studio Forty Two in Edinburgh

The MU has partnered with Studio Forty Two, a boutique recording facility in Edinburgh, to offer members discounted studio time.

Published: 01 August 2026

Closeup of a piece of recording equipment against a dark background.

Discount for MU Members at Studio Forty Two in Edinburgh

The MU has partnered with Studio Forty Two, a boutique recording facility in Edinburgh, to offer members discounted studio time.

Published: 01 August 2026

Three wooden blocks with red icons painted on them.

MU Concerned by New EU Customs Fees for Artists Selling Merchandise

A new EU customs charge on low-value parcels is creating additional costs and administrative challenges for musicians selling merchandise directly to fans in Europe. The MU will work to ensure musicians affected by the new legislation are represented at a stakeholder consultation later this year.

Published: 31 July 2026

A brick wall with the flags of Spain and Gibraltar painted on it, overlapping each other.

Spain-Gibraltar Border Changes: What the New Agreement Means for Musicians

New arrangements between Gibraltar and Spain will remove routine border checks for people crossing by land. While the agreement does not change existing rights to work in Spain or the EU, any time spent in Gibraltar will count towards musicians’ 90-day allowance for the Schengen area.

Published: 30 July 2026

Music Qualifications Reform Debated in House of Lords

Peers from across the political spectrum raised concerns about the Government’s proposed reforms to level 3 music qualifications, with ministers confirming that existing qualifications will remain in place until at least 2030 and announcing a new creative advisory board to help shape the reforms.

Published: 28 July 2026

Young man at a sound desk in a recording studio, sat looking at the screen.

Three Things New Prime Minister Andy Burnham Could Do for Music and Musicians Now

As new Prime Minister Andy Burnham takes office, here are three things he can do to support music and musicians right now.

Published: 24 July 2026

Large crowd sat in front of the main stage at Tolpuddle. It is a sunny day and there are lots of festival tents.

A Weekend of Music and Solidarity at Tolpuddle 2026

From panel discussions on AI and workers' rights to performances across the festival and a vibrant union procession, the MU played a visible role throughout Tolpuddle 2026, celebrating the power of music, solidarity and collective action.

Published: 23 July 2026

New Agreement with Northern Ballet Covered by BBC Radio 4's Front Row

Musicians' Union General Secretary Naomi Pohl spoke to BBC Radio 4's Front Row about the Union's new collective agreement with Northern Ballet.

Published: 23 July 2026

View of a stage lit up in white light, from the perspective of a crowd looking up.

MU Welcomes Business Rates Cuts But Urges Government Not to Forget Artists

Today the government has announced a 20% cut to business rates bills for pubs, clubs and live music venues from April next year.

Published: 23 July 2026

Young women say on a sofa in a cafe looking deep in thought at their open laptop.

New Tax Payment Plans Could Create Cashflow Challenges for Self-Employed Musicians

Government is currently consulting on plans that could have a wide-ranging, detrimental effect on self-employed people, with proposed new rules potentially requiring tax to be collected throughout the year.

Published: 22 July 2026

Blue digital sound waves over a black background.

Beyond Copyright: Do Musicians Need Personality Rights in the UK?

AI-generated voices, deepfakes and digital replicas are creating new challenges for musicians. Dr Hayleigh Bosher examines why existing UK copyright law may not be enough, and how personality rights could give creators greater control over their image and voice.

Published: 20 July 2026

The white M U x LMHR t-shirt on a hanger.

MU and Love Music Hate Racism Launch Limited-Edition T-Shirt

The MU and Love Music Hate Racism (LMHR) have launched a special collaboration at this year's Tolpuddle Festival, celebrating music, solidarity and the fight against racism, with profits supporting anti-racist campaigning and the MU Benevolent Fund.

Published: 17 July 2026

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UK Music Invites Northern Ireland Composers, Songwriters and Performers to Manifesto Roundtable

Composers, songwriters and performers in Northern Ireland are invited to join a UK Music online roundtable to help inform their manifesto asks ahead of the Northern Ireland Assembly elections.

Published: 17 July 2026

Portrait of Chris Walker holding a clarinet.

Tribute to Chris Walker

Chris Walker was an accomplished clarinettist with a lifelong love of music. A much-respected member of the MU's East and South East England Regional Committee, he had been a member of the Union for almost 48 years. This tribute has been provided by his wife, Janet.

Published: 16 July 2026

MU Nominates Andy Burnham for Labour Leader

The Musicians' Union has officially nominated Andy Burnham to be the next leader of the Labour Party.

Published: 16 July 2026

Three ballerineras en point on a dark stage.

New Collective Agreement Agreed for Northern Ballet Sinfonia

A new collective agreement has been agreed between the Musicians' Union and Northern Ballet, securing rates, terms and protections for freelance musicians engaged by the company.

Published: 16 July 2026

Closeup of a hand playing guitar. In the background are students sitting in a circle and holding guitars.

MU Welcomes New Music Plan from Government

The Government has announced an additional £15 million for its Music Growth Package, taking total investment to £45 million over three years. The MU welcomes the funding while calling for progress on EU touring, music streaming and protections for creators from AI.

Published: 14 July 2026

Silhouetted crowd at an outdoor gig at night, the stage is lit with blue light and confetti falls.

Music Tourism Hit Record £11.2bn in 2025 Says UK Music

A record 24.7 million music tourists attended UK concerts and festivals in 2025, spending £11.2 billion and supporting 74,000 jobs, according to new figures from UK Music. However despite the record year, challenges remain for grassroots music and touring.

Published: 13 July 2026

Pride in London 2026: Standing Proud with MU Members

MU members joined staff and fellow trade unionists at Pride in London on Saturday 4 July, celebrating LGBTQ+ visibility, solidarity and the importance of standing together in support of equality and inclusion.

Published: 09 July 2026

A young woman sitting at a laptop, smiling and waving to someone on her screen.

Good Energy Amplifies: New Mentorship Scheme for Disabled Intersectional Artists

Musicians that identify as disabled, intersectional artists are invited to apply for Good Energy Amplifies, a new mentorship programme designed to amplify underrepresented voices.

Published: 09 July 2026

Close up of the BBC headquarters in London, a round circular glass building.

Sign the Petition to Protect the BBC’s Future

A collective of arts, entertainment and broadcast unions, including the Musicians’ Union, have launched a joint petition to protect the future of the BBC.

Published: 03 July 2026

The outside of the Houses of Parliament, London.

MU Highlights Challenges Facing Freelance Musicians in Parliament

Musicians’ Union General Secretary Naomi Pohl tells MPs that, despite improvements in workers’ rights, freelance musicians are still facing significant challenges.

Published: 01 July 2026

A photo of a coastal town elevated about a big lake.

Discounted Travel, Hotel and Holiday Bookings for MU Members With utc.travel

Members can now access 12 months of discounted rates for travel, hotel and holiday bookings with private travel platform utc.travel.

Published: 01 July 2026

Peter Raistrick: Why Musicians and Trade Unionists Must Stand Against the Far Right

In this opinion piece, Peter Raistrick, London Regional Committee member and Young Members' Network activist, reflects on the responsibility of musicians and trade unionists to defend creative freedom, workers' rights and an inclusive society in the face of the growing threat of the far right.

Published: 29 June 2026

Close up of empty tables and chairs in a classroom.

MU Affiliates to Ukraine Solidarity Campaign and Supports Frontline Schools Appeal

The MU has formally affiliated to the Ukraine Solidarity Campaign (USC) and is encouraging members to support a new aid appeal for schools and communities in eastern Ukraine.

Published: 25 June 2026

Dave speaking on stage at the convention.

MU Takes Union Solidarity to the 103rd American Federation of Musicians (AFM) Convention

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl and Head of International Dave Webster shared union solidarity and spotlighted common industrial issues in keynote speeches at the 103rd American Federation of Musicians (AFM) Convention.

Published: 25 June 2026

Music composer sat in front of a computer screen and laptop, wearing headphones and making notes.

MU Backs Global Call for Artists’ Rights in AI Music Deals

The MU has joined artists, songwriters and music industry organisations from around the world in signing a new open letter coordinated by the European Music Managers Alliance (EMMA), calling for creators' rights to be respected in AI-related music deals.

Published: 25 June 2026

Close up of hands playing saxaphone on a dark stage.

Scotland’s Jazz Community Invited to ‘Now’s The Time’ Seminars

Two free online seminars this July will bring together leading jazz development organisations from across the UK, Ireland and Europe to share ideas, experiences and approaches to supporting Scotland’s jazz sector.

Published: 23 June 2026

Several flight cases for musical instruments lined up in a row.

MU Welcomes Provisional EU Agreement for Musical Instruments on Planes

The European Parliament and the Council have provisionally agreed on revised air passenger rights rules to improve air travel for musicians, offering clearer rules for instruments on planes after years of campaigning.

Published: 23 June 2026

Prime Minister Keir Starmer Has Announced His Resignation

The MU would like to thank Prime Minister Keir Starmer for his commitments to improving workers’ rights and improving the lives of musicians.

Published: 22 June 2026

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Protect Creative Work: AI Petition Passes 10,000 Signatures

MU Supports Creators Emergency Summit to Protect Creative Livelihoods Against AI

MU Welcomes Launch of Northern Music Export Office and UKAT Fund Boost

Tribute to John 'Jackie' Free

Take Part in European Folk Day 2026

New Guidance for Musicians Working in Germany

Tribute to Jeffrey Raymond Wakefield

Meet the MU at PITCH Scotland 2026

BLACMEX Launches Music Mapping Platform to Build Visibility for Black Music Creators

Tribute to Martin Bowen

Discount for MU Members at Studio Forty Two in Edinburgh

Discount for MU Members at Studio Forty Two in Edinburgh

MU Concerned by New EU Customs Fees for Artists Selling Merchandise

Spain-Gibraltar Border Changes: What the New Agreement Means for Musicians

Music Qualifications Reform Debated in House of Lords

Three Things New Prime Minister Andy Burnham Could Do for Music and Musicians Now

A Weekend of Music and Solidarity at Tolpuddle 2026

New Agreement with Northern Ballet Covered by BBC Radio 4's Front Row

MU Welcomes Business Rates Cuts But Urges Government Not to Forget Artists

New Tax Payment Plans Could Create Cashflow Challenges for Self-Employed Musicians

Beyond Copyright: Do Musicians Need Personality Rights in the UK?

MU and Love Music Hate Racism Launch Limited-Edition T-Shirt

UK Music Invites Northern Ireland Composers, Songwriters and Performers to Manifesto Roundtable

Tribute to Chris Walker

MU Nominates Andy Burnham for Labour Leader

New Collective Agreement Agreed for Northern Ballet Sinfonia

MU Welcomes New Music Plan from Government

Music Tourism Hit Record £11.2bn in 2025 Says UK Music

Pride in London 2026: Standing Proud with MU Members

Good Energy Amplifies: New Mentorship Scheme for Disabled Intersectional Artists

Sign the Petition to Protect the BBC’s Future

MU Highlights Challenges Facing Freelance Musicians in Parliament

Discounted Travel, Hotel and Holiday Bookings for MU Members With utc.travel

Peter Raistrick: Why Musicians and Trade Unionists Must Stand Against the Far Right

MU Affiliates to Ukraine Solidarity Campaign and Supports Frontline Schools Appeal

MU Takes Union Solidarity to the 103rd American Federation of Musicians (AFM) Convention

MU Backs Global Call for Artists’ Rights in AI Music Deals

Scotland’s Jazz Community Invited to ‘Now’s The Time’ Seminars

MU Welcomes Provisional EU Agreement for Musical Instruments on Planes

Prime Minister Keir Starmer Has Announced His Resignation