skip to main content

We Will be Participating in #TheShowMustBePaused in Solidarity With our Black Members

The MU stands with our Black members and all Black communities against all forms of racism, violence and discrimination. When we say “behind every musician”, we mean it.

Published: 01 June 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 20 July 2021 | 6:59 PM
Text reading
#TheShowMustBePaused is being observed across the music industry

We are joining the #TheShowMustBePaused tomorrow, to stand in solidarity with Black communities and be part of an action that we hope affects real change and starts an honest conversation about racism and its deadly consequences.

The #TheShowMustBePaused is an initiative created by two Black women in the music industry – Jamila Thomas and Brianna Agyemang. In their own words, it is “in response to the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and countless other Black citizens at the hands of the police.”

You can read their full statement on #TheShowMustBePaused’s website.

How we’ll be participating in #TheShowMustBePaused

As part of #TheShowMustBePaused, the MU will not be participating in events, responding to emails, or posting on social media for 24 hours – from 12:00 am on Tuesday 2 June to 12:00 am on Wednesday 3 June.

If you have any urgent issues during this time, you should contact your Regional Office by phone.

We’ll also be educating ourselves on how to be better allies. Here’s a useful list of resources for white people and parents to deepen their anti-racism work, and a further list of resources from shesaid.so.

We’ll be publishing a response from our own staff on our anti-racism learnings on Wednesday, and we’d love to include your views too. You can get in contact by emailing equalities@themu.org

We’ve posted a longer explanation of our stance on #TheShowMustBePaused, and related resources, on our twitter channel. Read the full thread here.

Black Members’ Network

Black members are also invited to join our Black Members’ Network for regular opportunities to get involved, have your say on what we do, contribute to consultation responses, and help make policy that reflects the truth.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool at sunset.

Outer Waves Festival Returns to Liverpool with MU Member Discount

Outer Waves Festival, the North West's newest celebration of underground arts returns to Liverpool 23-24 May 2026. MU North of England Regional Officer Philip Morris will join a panel on gentrification, and MU members can access discounted weekend tickets.

Published: 13 May 2026

Member only Read more about Outer Waves Festival Returns to Liverpool with MU Member Discount
Women sat in front of some water at sunset with headphones on.

Three in Four Performing Arts Professionals Face Career-Impacting Health Issues Says New BAPAM Report

A new BAPAM Impact Report reveals that 75% of performing arts professionals will face a career-impacting health issue, as demand for specialist support reaches record levels. The MU is among the organisations supporting BAPAM’s work to improve health provision across the sector.

Published: 13 May 2026

Read more about Three in Four Performing Arts Professionals Face Career-Impacting Health Issues Says New BAPAM Report
13 members of the Board gathered in front of some stairs.

MU Joins Newcastle Gateshead Music City Strategic Board

The MU has joined the new Newcastle Gateshead Music City Strategic Board alongside artists, venues, labels, media professionals, academics and industry experts. The Board will help shape the future of the region’s music sector and support long-term growth across the local music ecosystem.

Published: 11 May 2026

Read more about MU Joins Newcastle Gateshead Music City Strategic Board
The panellists sat on the stage with microphones, in front of a screen with saying

MU Panel Explores Rates, Rights and Royalties at Sound City 2026

At Liverpool Sound City Conference 2026, the MU brought together industry professionals and working musicians for its ‘Money in the Mix’ panel to demystify these issues and offer practical insights into building a sustainable career in session work.

Published: 11 May 2026

Read more about MU Panel Explores Rates, Rights and Royalties at Sound City 2026