Live Music, Performance & Gigging News & Stories

A musician sits at a mixing desk, with different pieces of equipment, including multiple speakers and monitors facing them.

Over 5000 Musicians and Songwriters Back Fix Streaming Petition

Over 5,000 musicians, songwriters and fans have signed the Fix Streaming petition, after 150 artists including Annie Lennox, Paul McCartney and Kate Bush made headlines calling on the Government to act.

Published: 27 April 2021

A young musician is working on a keyboard with a microphone, speakers and computer set up in front of them. There is warm but dark lighting.

The Copyright Directive

In this feature Mark Sutherland discusses the European Copyright Directive in detail, and looks at the vital actions that must take place to protect UK music industry in the post-Brexit environment.

Published: 26 April 2021

Concert Pianist Génia: “These days, I take full advantage of what the MU has to offer”

Russian-born concert pianist Génia describes why being a member of the MU has benefitted her, from legal and career advice through to insurance and training.

Published: 22 April 2021

A Black non-binary person with a leopard print cane presses a wall-mounted push button to open the cafe door. They are dressed in all black and have a shaved head, glasses, and a red lip on.

UK Music Survey Reveals 1 in 5 Disabled People Face Discrimination At Work

UK Music is calling on music industry leaders to ensure disabled people and people with long term health conditions can realise their dreams by removing potential barriers to job opportunities.

Published: 22 April 2021

Photograph of a row of violins, hanging up in a shop to be purchased.

Buying and Selling Used Musical Instruments

For professional musicians, buying and selling musical instruments can be a challenging and time-consuming process. Neil Crossley examines the options and assesses how to ensure you get the best outcome with the minimum hassle.

Published: 20 April 2021

Photograph of the band Gnoss, they are four men standing in front of a brick wall. Hands in their pockets, they are smiling at the camera.

Scottish Band Gnoss: “Membership Has Made Us Feel More Connected to Our Industry”

Young, Glasgow-based band Gnoss, discusses how membership of the MU has both given them invaluable tools on their journey, and helped them feel that they have someone in their corner.

Published: 15 April 2021

Photograph of a young girl wearing ear protectors at a concert. The background is blurred but we can see multiple people and string lights.

5 Things to Help Include More Autistic People at Gigs

It’s World Autism Day on 2 April! To celebrate we asked Autism consultant and Heart N Soul creative associate Robyn Rocket to write a blog for us with a few pointers on how we can consider inclusion for Autistic musicians and listeners when the world opens again post-Covid.

Published: 01 April 2021

Photograph of a row of different brightly coloured t-shirts.

We’ve Updated Our Brexit Flow Chart With More Information

We have updated the MU – 'Flowchart Guide to Working In Europe', created to give members a better understanding of the hoops they have to jump through when planning a tour or shows in the EU.

Published: 01 April 2021

Photograph of Bishi Bhattachaya, she is wearing a brightly coloured top and gold head piece, and is looking directly into the camera with one arm raised.

What Happens Next? Women, Inclusivity and the UK Music Industry

For Women’s History Month, singer-songwriter Bishi Bhattachaya talks us through how the pandemic has exposed major issues of inequality within the music industry, and calls for concrete action and investment.

Published: 30 March 2021

Photograph of white chairs in an outdoor setting, set out with socially distanced space around each one.

Welsh Government Release Revised Version of Their Coronavirus Control Plan

We’ve updated our advice to reflect the Welsh Government’s revised version of the Coronavirus Control Plan, which contains further information about the four alert levels and gives a timeline for the planned relaxation of restrictions up to 22 April.

Published: 24 March 2021

A photograph of both Rosie and Beth. Rosie is leaning on Beth's shoulder with her elbow and laughing in her direction, Beth is grinning broadly at the camera.

How I Met My Peer Hero: A ‘How to Hype’ Guide for Women in the Music Industry

In this blog, created in celebration of Women’s History Month, musicians Beth and Rosie discuss the value of their own friendship, and how women can continue to act as “Peer Heros” to each other.

Published: 23 March 2021

Photograph of fireworks exploding brightly against the dark night sky.

Free Expert Industry Advice Session to be Run by the Featured Artists Coalition

The webinars will be part of the Music Explosion Spring Special 2021 presented by Midi Music, and will take place online on the evening of Wednesday 24 March.

Published: 22 March 2021

Photograph of a saxophone up close, the background of a brick outdoor wall implies that the performer is outside, we can only see the performers arm and hand.

MU Calls for Busking to Be Permitted

An update on our call for busking to be permitted again in England, following the Government’s Spring 2021 roadmap – plus further legal advice for buskers.

Published: 15 March 2021

Photograph of bright pink earphones against a blue background, there is also the corner of an open silver laptop visible.

Have Your Say on how Music Streaming Affects Music Creators’ Earnings

If you have ten minutes, take part in Music Creators’ Earnings in the Digital Age’s anonymous survey - and help their research into how streaming affects music creators’ earnings.

Published: 10 March 2021

Photograph of a guitarist performing on a stage under blue toned stage lights.

PRS for Music: Online Licensing Update and Member Survey

An update on PRS for Music which clarifies various aspects of their licences for online ticketed events.

Published: 18 February 2021

Photograph of a violin contained in a travel case. The travel case is resting open in the photo with the violn visiable.

Amended Brexit Guidance for Musicians with Portable Musical Instruments

It has been confirmed today by DCMS Minister Caroline Dinenage MP that musicians travelling into and around the EU with portable musical instruments are not required to obtain a Carnet.

Published: 16 February 2021

Stack of travel cases used to transport musical equipment.

MU Secures ATA Carnet Discounts for Touring Musicians

Whilst the MU lobbied hard against Brexit, the agreement reached with the EU means that currently ATA Carnets (a travel document needed for instruments and equipment) are a reality for musicians working in the EU.

Published: 11 February 2021

Photograph of an airplace from inside, facing the front of the plane the image looks up the aisle between seats, we can see the backs of peoples arms as heads.

EasyJet’s New Baggage Policy Continues to be a Bitter Blow to Musicians

Despite our correspondence with airline EasyJet, we have been unable to persuade them to amend their new baggage policy, which will come into play from 10 February 2021.

Published: 08 February 2021

Two sets of drum sticks lie on different instruments in a percussion section set up but with absent musicians.

Music Industry Unites to Save Touring in Europe, Ahead of Crucial Parliament Debate

The largest bodies representing musicians, the Musicians’ Union and the Incorporated Society of Musicians, are jointly calling for improved touring arrangements after Brexit.

Published: 08 February 2021

Woman waits by a train with a guitar strapped to her back, she is looking at her watch. Photo credit: Shutterstock

US Immigration Roll Backs

In this blog MU National Organiser Live Performance, Dave Webster, discusses how US President Biden has started to roll back on some of the executive orders brought in by President Trump.

Published: 03 February 2021

Photograph of a sandy coloured electric guitar laid out on a wood table with a loop of amplifier cable and earphones also displayed.

Free PRS Licences for Small Online Performances of Own Works Announced

PRS for Music have announced that PRS members performing their own works in a small online ticketed concert can now obtain a free licence.

Published: 02 February 2021

Photograph of a person watching a live streamed gig on a mobile phone in their house.

Guidance on the PRS Online Event Licensing Tariff

PRS for Music has announced a new tariff for online ticketed events, so we’ve published an explainer on what’s going on and what musicians need to know.

Published: 28 January 2021

©QUIQUE GARCIA / Stringer / Getty Images

How Musicians Can Help Tackle the E-Waste Mountain

E-waste is now a major environmental issue, and one that musicians can no longer ignore. Can using recycled electronics and vintage kit help change things?

Published: 22 January 2021

Two guitars resting in the grass amongst various objects like blankets and colourful pillows which indicate a festival campsite.

Government Must Support Live Music Following Glastonbury Cancellation

Following the announcement that Glastonbury 2021 has been cancelled, we’re calling on the Government to clarify their current consideration on insurance schemes for festivals, to save further pre-emptive cancellations.

Published: 21 January 2021

Black and white photograph from backstage at a festival. We can see a number of musicians playing on stage from behind, and a large outdoor audience facing inwards.

Government Insurance for Music Festivals a Possibility

In welcome news, Minister for Culture Caroline Dineage confirmed that she is “looking into” possible insurance for music festivals, which would allow them to plan for summer 2021.

Published: 19 January 2021

Photograph of the sun setting over the houses of Parliament and Big Ben.

Major role for MU in Urgent Parliamentary Debate on EU Touring

We received vital coverage on the need for a Musicians' Passport in today’s parliamentary debate. Find out what happened, what our next actions will be, and how you can get involved.

Published: 19 January 2021

Photograph of an accessible entrance sign attached to a brick wall outside a building.

Creating Your Own Access Rider

We recently held an event on “creating your own access rider,” in this article we set out the key learnings for the event – both from artists with personal experience of using access riders, and organisations who work on improving access.

Published: 18 January 2021

Photograph of a woman out on the street, listening to music on her mobile phone.

Members Encouraged to Complete Survey on Live Streaming

Middlesex University are exploring the experiences and expectations of performing musicians regarding live streaming music in the wake of Covid-19 with this short survey.

Published: 15 January 2021

Golden euphonium lies on a brown wooden stage in the light of a spotlight

We Demand Support from the PM for British Musicians Planning to Tour the EU

Our General Secretary, Horace Trubridge, has today written to the Prime Minister highlighting the barriers facing British musicians seeking to tour the EU in the post-lockdown era.

Published: 15 January 2021

Man engrossed in singing into a microphone in a recording studio, he is dressed casually in a hooded jumper and has his arms raised and eyes closed in concentration.

FAC Open Free Series of Events for Music-Artist Entrepreneurs

The Featured Artist Coalition (FAC) is holding a series of “Yeah, but…” free to attend, online, panel events, covering topics from using streaming services to creating a buzz around your work.

Published: 14 January 2021

Photograph of a musician walking, whilst carrying a guitar in a hard case. We can only see the musicians arms and torso, the guitar case is well worn looking.

No ATA Carnet Needed for Touring Between NI and rest of UK

We’ve had confirmation that members based in England, Scotland and Wales do not currently require an ATA Carnet to gig in Northern Ireland, and vice versa.

Published: 14 January 2021

Photograph of Big Ben from across Westminister bridge, traffic is rushing past leaving blurred lights behind.

PM Agrees to MPs Meeting to Discuss Agreement for Touring Musicians

Kevin Brennan MP asked the Prime Minister on behalf of our members, if there would be a meeting for senior MPs to discuss an agreement with the EU for touring musicians – to which he agreed.

Published: 13 January 2021

Photograph of a drum kit, a person sits behind the drum kit, we can just see their legs, arms and the drum sticks frozen in action.

Leak Confirms that Government Rejected EU Offer of Visa-Free Travel for Touring Musicians

We’re angry and alarmed to learn the news that the UK Government rejected an EU offer of visa-free touring by British musicians.

Published: 10 January 2021

Jazz saxophonist performing outdoors at a music festival.

DCMS Select Committee Festivals Inquiry Raises Crucial Issues for MU Members

An evidence session held today as part of the DCMS’ select committee festivals inquiry raised issues such as how the Cultural Recovery Fund does not benefit musicians, Brexit concerns, and the need for a Covid-proof insurance scheme.

Published: 05 January 2021

Photograph of a busker, their head isn't visible but they are wearing blue jeans and holding a plugged in electric guitar. In the background an open guitar case has money collected in it.

Joint Statement on Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea's New Proposals for Busking

The MU has serious concerns over Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea's recently published consultation and its potential effects on busking. Members are encouraged to have their say by responding to the council’s consultation.

Published: 04 January 2021

How Artificial Intelligence Affects Musicians, Music and Copyright

Artificial Intelligence tools have become increasingly prevalent in the creation of recorded and live music in recent years. Will Simpson assesses whether AI is the musician's friend or foe.

Published: 03 January 2021

Kuljit Bhamra: Bhangra Pioneer with a Mission to Introduce Tabla to the Next Generation of Musicians

How instrumentalist, composer and educator Kuljit Bhamra overcame disability to create a rich and diverse music career.

Published: 24 December 2020

Photograph of a violin in a travel case.

Brexit Details for Touring Musicians Unlikely Before End of Transition Period

Even if a Brexit deal is agreed before the transition period ends on Thursday 31 December, it is likely to only give basic essentials, with the potential for further detail.

Published: 21 December 2020

Photograph of two colourful suitcases against a bright yellow background.

Flowchart Guide to Working in the EU from 1 January 2021 Published

Members can now consult the flowchart we have compiled, to help with the increased administration that will be involved when working in Europe from 1 January.