Live Performance Section

The section is for musicians working in all areas of live performance, such as gigs in pubs, clubs, festivals, busking, hotels, colleges, holiday camps, cruise ships and concert halls. Section members can get involved with the Section Committee work.

Last updated: 13 March 2024

How live performing musicians are represented by Live Performance Section?

Live music events represent an increasingly important element of most musicians’ income as it is an ongoing struggle for musicians to make a fair living from publishing and rights alone, so the work of the Section is vitally important.

Live Performance Section is headed up by Kelly Wood who is liaising with the Section Committee and feeding back its key findings to the Executive Committee, as well as being on hand for the 12,000 strong MU members who perform live.

Join Live Performance section

What does the Live Performance Section Committee do?

The Live Performance Section Committee is discussing a range of topics concerning musicians in live industry, such as international touring issues, festivals, emerging artists, working with featured artists, working in small venues, local government planning policy, street busking, vehicle parking in city centres, and sexual harassment in the live performance sector.

Our Committee is keen to press for equal opportunities and high standards of employment for everyone.

If you are a MU member who is working as live performer and are willing to help us affect change for good, get in touch.

Find out more

Live news and features

A lively crowd and street market in Portugal.

Open Call to Perform at Inaugural Showcase Festival SQUARE

Taking place in early 2025 across four Portuguese cities, SQUARE is seeking British and European artists to perform as part of its inaugural showcase line-up.

Published: 24 April 2024

Electric keyboard and microphone in foreground, with small choir group out of focus in the background.

MU Joins Calls for ‘Voice’ to be Eligible Instrument Under Orchestra Tax Relief to Enable Choirs to Benefit

Major music sector organisations, networks and individuals are calling for ‘voice’ to be added to the eligible instruments, so that choirs can claim Orchestra Tax Relief.

Published: 24 April 2024

A musician waiting at an airport with an instrument case and luggage, while listening to music on their phone.

UK Sounds: PRS Foundation Launches New Initiative to Support UK Music Export

The MU welcomes UK Sounds, a new platform from PRS Foundation’s International Showcase Fund. The online hub will empower UK artists looking to expand overseas while connecting international industry professionals with UK talent.

Published: 11 April 2024

A black female singer performing live at a music concert.

The REMEL Project: Addressing Race Equality in Live Music

The new REMEL project will use research to address inequalities and create a more transparent, equitable licensing model for live music.

Published: 03 April 2024

Small blue toy car over a map of Europe.

Take Part in the MU’s New Survey on Touring in the EU Post Brexit

Your answers are key to helping us assess the impact leaving the EU has had on touring musicians, and if our specialist information and guidance has been useful or needs improving. Your feedback is also vital in shaping our work when liaising with government.