Live Music, Performance & Gigging News & Stories

Photograph of a musician playing guitar to a laughing baby in a small baby chair.

Freelance Parents and Carers Encouraged to Take PiPA’s Survey

Parents and Carers in Performing Arts (PiPA) are looking to identity the specific needs and challenges faced by freelance parents and carers in the performing arts industry.

Published: 07 September 2021

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Scotland's Music on Tour: Scottish Government Launch Touring Fund for Live Music

Musicians, bands, artists and venues will be able to apply to a £750,000 Scottish Government fund to bring new and additional concerts to venues and festivals in Scotland next year.

Published: 07 September 2021

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#ThisIsNotWorking: Call From Musicians and Music Industry Workforce For Abuse to End

New reports reveal sexual harassment and abuse remain rife in the music industry despite the #MeToo movement. We’re calling on the Government and music industry organisations to protect musicians and other workers from victimisation and harassment.

Published: 03 September 2021

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MU Welcomes Cardiff Council’s Support for Gigs in Cardiff Castle

Four nights of live music at Cardiff Castle will support musicians and grassroots music venues.

Published: 27 August 2021

Photograph of a group of young people waiting in a queue, all of them are wearing facemarks and the person at the front is looking at their mobile phone.

Our Advice on Vaccination and Testing Requirements

Whilst the UK Government have confirmed that they don’t plan to introduce regulations around the vaccination of employees and freelancers, a venue may ask you to adhere to certain risk mitigation measures.

Published: 26 August 2021

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Exploring Green Pension Investments as the Most Powerful Thing You Can Do to Protect The Planet

The MU continues to investigate ways in which we can reduce our impact on the climate crisis and contribute to sustainability, including divesting from fossil fuels.

Published: 26 August 2021

Pregnant Jocelyin Freeman sitting, one hand on the piano, one on her baby bump..

How Mothers are Fighting Workplace Discrimination in Music

Female musicians face discrimination in the workplace – and it only increases if they get pregnant. Here, we focus on some of the inspiring musicians lobbying for change.

Published: 26 August 2021

Headie One performs at the Brixton Academy in November 2019.

The Rise of UK Hip-Hop

From the margins to the mainstream, UK hip-hop has exploded in recent years and risen to evermore creative and commercial heights.

Published: 25 August 2021

MU Signs Open Letter Demanding Return to Live Music Post-Pandemic is Safe and Inclusive For Everyone

The MU has signed UN Women UK’s open letter, calling for 2021 to be the year the music and events industries rise up to the call of the #MeToo movement – and commits to change.

Published: 24 August 2021

Photograph of a field of daffodils in Stratford, London.

Help Save Stratford Circus a Dedicated London Arts Space

Nationally recognised arts centre Stratford Circus was closed down during the pandemic lockdown, and Newham Council are now tendering for a new management to run it with no remit or funding for professional arts.

Published: 24 August 2021

The Importance of the MU Political Fund

Assistant General Secretary, Phil Kear, explains how the MU political fund provides invaluable help for members.

Published: 24 August 2021

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Musician Speaks Out on Discrimination Faced During Pregnancy

MU member and harpist Cecilia De Maria took to Facebook and Instagram, to spread an important message about why so many women in the music industry are scared of their work being affected by people finding out that they are pregnant.

Published: 24 August 2021

Photograph of the inside of a harpsichord instrument.

Government Opens Consultation on Extending Elephant Ivory Ban to Non-Elephant Ivory

Whilst deploring the existing elephant ivory poaching trade, the MU has stated that the ban should not be extended to instruments containing non-elephant ivory.

Published: 20 August 2021

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Kevin Brennan on Streaming: “The System Simply Isn’t Working for Creators”

Musician and advocate of fixing streaming Kevin Brennan MP spoke to MU members at the 39th Musicians’ Union Biennial Delegate Conference.

Published: 13 August 2021

Photograph of a double bass player performing on a stage alongside an electric guitarist with pink lights.

Government-Backed Insurance Scheme for Live Music Announced

Whilst we acknowledge the introduction of a Government-backed insurance scheme for live music, we reserve further comment until we know the schemes details.

Published: 05 August 2021

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MU Responds to Government Announcement on Visa-Free Short-Term Touring in Some Member States

The MU cautiously welcomes the Government’s announcement – made on Wednesday 4 August – that visa-free short-term touring is allowed in 19 member states, but it does not solve many of the problems currently facing musicians touring in the EU.

Published: 05 August 2021

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Why A Covid Secure Passport Would be Better News for Live Music Than a “Vaccine Passport”

The MU has outlined the questions which would need to be addressed before we would be able to support a vaccine passport – including potential discrimination and data privacy – an described how a Covid Secure Passport with extended qualifying criteria could provide a better solution.

Published: 02 August 2021

Photograph of a persons hand turning the tuning peg on a guitar, in the background is wild countryside.

Scottish Classical Music Green Guide Launched by the Scottish Classical Sustainability Group

Set up during the pandemic, the Scottish Classical Sustainability Group (SCSG) is putting the welfare of our planet in the spotlight with the launch of its first ever Scottish Classical Music Green Guide, and the MU is proud to have contributed.

Published: 30 July 2021

Photograph of a young woman listening to music off her phone on the bus.

MU Moves to Support Girls I Rate as Part of UK Music 10-Point Plan

As part of the 10-Point Plan published by UK Music’s Diversity Taskforce last October, the MU will be supporting equality movement organisation Girls I Rate in their work towards a music industry where women can thrive.

Published: 30 July 2021

Photograph of a number of travel crates ready to pack concert equipment in for a tour.

Piping Centre to Give Free Talk on Post-Brexit Working for Musicians

The National Piping Centre in Scotland will be running a free online-workshop, explaining the new Brexit requirements, on Wednesday 11 August at 2:00 pm.

Published: 30 July 2021

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Second Day of MU Delegate Conference

Topics covered on the second day of the MU Delegate Conference included the climate emergency and how the MU can contribute to sustainability, HE Funding Cuts, Fix Streaming, our Safe Space initiative, and more.

Published: 21 July 2021

Photograph from the MU Conference in 2019, focusing on a large white speakers podium with

First Day of MU Delegate Conference

Today saw the first day of the MU Delegate Conference 2021, which for the first time ever is being held largely online due to the pandemic.

Published: 20 July 2021

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Beacons Launches Honey Sessions Project For Artists and Producers Creating MOBO

'Honey Sessions' is designed to support artists and producers working within MOBO genres. It's been set up in collaboration alongside the Forté Project and with a focus on creative collaborations between artists and producers.

Published: 19 July 2021

The MU's Joint Open Letter to Department of Transport to Protect Touring in the EU

The MU has warned that Government proposals on haulage risks bringing cost effective, accessible touring for small bands to a ‘full stop’.

Published: 14 July 2021

Government Confirms 19 July Reopening in England

The Prime Minister has now confirmed that all Covid-19 restrictions will end on 19 July, and all venues and businesses are set to reopen.

Published: 14 July 2021

Yazz Ahmed: Spanning Sonic Boundaries

Trumpeter, flugelhornist and composer Yazz Ahmed draws on her cultural heritage to create a strident sonic mix, one that blurs the boundaries between jazz and electronic soundscapes.

Published: 09 July 2021

Photograph of Belfast Castle, seen through the flowers in bright sunshine.

Music Connections Launches to Champion Music in Northern Ireland

A new online music initiative dedicated to championing Northern Ireland (NI) music has launched. Music Connections is a central online hub created to support the development and growth of NI’s diverse and talented music sector.

Published: 08 July 2021

Photo of a trio of musicians, a banjo player, a double bass player and an acoustic guitarist.

The Hub Launches Toolkit on Post-Pandemic Support for Artists and Creative Freelancers

Our friends at the hub have just launched a new Balance toolkit that includes 100+ bespoke resources to help artists and creative freelancers take better care of their mental health and businesses in the wake of Covid 19.

Published: 06 July 2021

Photograph of a hand spraying disinfectant spray on to a tissue and using it to sanitize a keyboard.

All Restrictions in England Due to End on 19 July 2021

Following the announcement from the Prime Minister that all Covid-19 restrictions are set to end in England on Monday 19 July, we discuss how this is likely to affect musicians – and how steps must be taken to make sure members feel secure returning to work.

Published: 06 July 2021

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Video Explainers on MIC and Border Crossings Released

We’ve now released a recording of the webinars and Q&A session we put on, explaining the latest guidance on MIC, and how to travel with musical instruments containing CITES-listed controlled endangered species.

Published: 06 July 2021

Photograph of a function band performing at a wedding, as seen from behind. We see the back of a guitarist in blue lighting.

Applications Open For Wide Days Artist Development Programme in Scotland

The programme is supported by PRS Foundation, and aims to develop international opportunities for six acts based in Scotland, and is taking applications up to Monday 5 July.

Published: 02 July 2021

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Brexit Lobbying Update: A Session Characterised by Tension

In this Brexit update we discuss Lord Frost’s first appearance at the DCMS Select Committee, and our plans for moving forward.

Published: 30 June 2021

Photograph of musician Lizzy Hardingham, she is laughing and looking past the camera in a brightly coloured jacket,

Why I Joined: Lizzy Hardingham

Singer-songwriter and folk musician Lizzy Hardingham discusses why she’s glad she was pointed in the MU’s direction.

Published: 30 June 2021

Black and White Photograph of a retro looking sign reading

Jazz Musicians in England Encouraged to Complete APPJAG Questionnaire

The deadline for the questionnaires has now been extended to midnight on 1 August 2021, with results contributing to the All Party Parliamentary Jazz Appreciation Group (APPJAG) Review Of Jazz In England.

Published: 29 June 2021

Photographs of various young artists displayed on a photo wall at the event BBC Introducing

The Creative Industry is an Ecosystem That Must be Set Up For All

In this blog, artist manager and UK Music Futures group chair, Amanda Maxwell, discusses how Government cuts to Higher Education Funding could result in the whole industry going back on itself.

Published: 29 June 2021

Blurred photograph of a crowd outdoors, sitting and facing an outdoor stage.

Lobbying Update – MPs Support MU’s Calls For The Government to Allow Music Events

An update on the MU’s lobbying activities following last week’s announcement of the Government’s delay to the Covid-19 roadmap in England.

Published: 24 June 2021

Positive News on US Visas

The visa system brought in by Donald Trump have been rolled back due to pressure from Tamizdat and support from arts organisations across the world, including the MU.

Published: 24 June 2021

An abstract photo of a stage as seen from over a table.

Shortlist Announced For The Scottish Awards For New Music

New Music Scotland (NMS) has announced the shortlist of nominees for the 2021 Scottish Awards for New Music. Once again, NMS received an exceptional level of submissions which were adjudicated by a panel of key figures in the music world.

Published: 24 June 2021

Photograph of a guitarist performing on stage, they are sillhouted against a pink light in the background.

New Brexit Campaign #LetTheMusicMove Launches

A new campaign launched by #LetTheMusicMove brought widespread social media action from artists, music professionals and fans across the UK on Wednesday 23 June.

Published: 24 June 2021

Photo of the Houses of Parliament in London, taken from over the bridge in black and white colours.

New Bill Calls For a Better Deal For Musicians and Songwriters From Streaming

MU member Kevin Brennan MP’s Private Members Bill, calling for a better deal for musicians and songwriters, is backed by eleven cross party MPs including Damian Green and Esther McVey.

Published: 22 June 2021

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Live Performance News

Freelance Parents and Carers Encouraged to Take PiPA’s Survey

Scotland's Music on Tour: Scottish Government Launch Touring Fund for Live Music

#ThisIsNotWorking: Call From Musicians and Music Industry Workforce For Abuse to End

MU Welcomes Cardiff Council’s Support for Gigs in Cardiff Castle

Our Advice on Vaccination and Testing Requirements

Exploring Green Pension Investments as the Most Powerful Thing You Can Do to Protect The Planet

How Mothers are Fighting Workplace Discrimination in Music

The Rise of UK Hip-Hop

MU Signs Open Letter Demanding Return to Live Music Post-Pandemic is Safe and Inclusive For Everyone

Help Save Stratford Circus a Dedicated London Arts Space

The Importance of the MU Political Fund

Musician Speaks Out on Discrimination Faced During Pregnancy

Government Opens Consultation on Extending Elephant Ivory Ban to Non-Elephant Ivory

Kevin Brennan on Streaming: “The System Simply Isn’t Working for Creators”

Government-Backed Insurance Scheme for Live Music Announced

MU Responds to Government Announcement on Visa-Free Short-Term Touring in Some Member States

Why A Covid Secure Passport Would be Better News for Live Music Than a “Vaccine Passport”

Scottish Classical Music Green Guide Launched by the Scottish Classical Sustainability Group

MU Moves to Support Girls I Rate as Part of UK Music 10-Point Plan

Piping Centre to Give Free Talk on Post-Brexit Working for Musicians

Second Day of MU Delegate Conference

First Day of MU Delegate Conference

Beacons Launches Honey Sessions Project For Artists and Producers Creating MOBO

The MU's Joint Open Letter to Department of Transport to Protect Touring in the EU

Government Confirms 19 July Reopening in England

Yazz Ahmed: Spanning Sonic Boundaries

Music Connections Launches to Champion Music in Northern Ireland

The Hub Launches Toolkit on Post-Pandemic Support for Artists and Creative Freelancers

All Restrictions in England Due to End on 19 July 2021

Video Explainers on MIC and Border Crossings Released

Applications Open For Wide Days Artist Development Programme in Scotland

Brexit Lobbying Update: A Session Characterised by Tension

Why I Joined: Lizzy Hardingham

Jazz Musicians in England Encouraged to Complete APPJAG Questionnaire

The Creative Industry is an Ecosystem That Must be Set Up For All

Lobbying Update – MPs Support MU’s Calls For The Government to Allow Music Events

Positive News on US Visas

Shortlist Announced For The Scottish Awards For New Music

New Brexit Campaign #LetTheMusicMove Launches

New Bill Calls For a Better Deal For Musicians and Songwriters From Streaming