Live Music, Performance & Gigging News & Stories

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UK Music Unveils “Game-Changing” Plan to Boost Diversity

Campaigning and lobbying group UK Music – of which the MU is a part – has released the results of its 2020 Workforce Diversity Survey, alongside a clear road map for change.

Published: 29 October 2020

An Open Letter on the Threat of Brexit to Creative Working Opportunities

The MU, Equity and the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain have urged the Government to come forward with guidance and to stand up for creatives at the ongoing negotiations.

Published: 28 October 2020

Photograph of a woman performing on a small stage, the lighting around her is blue with streaks of yellow - we can't see the audience.

Application Feedback and Guidance for the ‘Developing Your Creative Practice’ fund

We've extended our grant application advice to now cover Developing Your Creative Practice applications, as well as continuing to offer advice on ACE National Lottery Project Grants.

Published: 26 October 2020

Photograph of pink stage lights beaming down into the darkness. The picture focuses upwards, so we can just see the lights and rigging and not the stage.

Welsh Government Announces Two-Week Firebreak Lockdown

On Monday 19 October, the Welsh Government announced that it will be introducing a two-week firebreak lockdown to try and bring Coronavirus under control in Wales.

Published: 20 October 2020

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How Can We Work Towards a Safe Reopening

In this blog, MU General Secretary Horace Trubridge discusses the work the MU is doing towards safely opening up areas of the live performance sector.

Published: 15 October 2020

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The MU and The Ivors Academy Welcome Government Inquiry into Music Streaming

The MU and The Ivors Academy have warmly welcomed today’s announcement of a Government inquiry into streaming in the music industry and, in particular, the economic impact music streaming is having on artists and the sustainability of the wider music industry.

Published: 15 October 2020

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CITES: End of Transition Update

If your instrument contains endangered species and you don't yet have Musical Instrument Certificate (MIC), you can apply for one for free.

Published: 14 October 2020

Photograph of a stretch of bridge over the Clyde River in Glasgow.

Central Belt of Scotland Restrictions Apply to Non-Professional Activities

The new lockdown restrictions for the central belt of Scotland mean that between 10 and 25 October, organised non-professional performing arts activities are not permitted outdoors.

Published: 13 October 2020

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The Cultural Recovery Fund: A Lifeline for The Music Industry

The MU is delighted to see that the first round of funding for the arts sector has kept 1385 English arts organisations afloat.

Published: 13 October 2020

Photograph of an audience at what appears to be a music concert. The stage is blurred, and there are bright lights shining out across a crowd who stand with raised arms.

Guide to Creating Your Own Access Rider Released

Arts commissioning program, We Are Unlimited, have released a valuable document on creating a rider to communicate all of your access needs in one place.

Published: 01 October 2020

Members Discount on Rehearsal and Recording Studios in London

London based online music studio directory, MusicWise, are offering members a 10% discount on their first studio booking – quoting our exclusive discount code.

Published: 01 October 2020

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Music in Crisis in Northern Ireland

We’re publishing an open letter in response to the recent announcement from the Northern Irish Executive that effectively bans live music in Northern Ireland.

Published: 29 September 2020

Photograph of an empty stage set up in a band, with double bass, drum kit and piano.

Ask Your MLAs to Support Musicians During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Music is a crucial part of the creative economy in Northern Ireland. Live music is worth £70m in GVA and generates £8m in music tourism. But all this is on hold because of the Covid-19 pandemic, with real consequences for musicians.

Published: 29 September 2020

A white man in a wheelchair is indoors, performing in what appears to be his home on a keyboard, while leaning over to type something into his laptop.

Top Tips for Keeping Your Music Career Ticking Over During Covid-19

Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl spoke to BBC Music Introducing on Saturday night about the impact of the Covid-19 crisis, and ways that musicians can keep creating and working.

Published: 29 September 2020

Photograph of a tiny model piano, placed outside and resting on top of a face mask.

Mask Wearing and Performances: What Are the Rules

Updated – mask wearing indoors is now a requirement in many situations across the UK. For musicians in England this no longer includes when performing.

Published: 28 September 2020

Trumpet player in a red t-shirt performing to an audience who are blurred in the background. Just the hands of the player are visable.

Singing, Brass and Woodwind Restrictions Relaxed in Scotland

New guidance from the Scottish Government means that singers, and brass and woodwind players, can rehearse in groups, provided certain conditions are met.

Published: 18 September 2020

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Brexit – where are we now?

Brexit is back on the agenda in Parliament this week as the Government brought in new legislation, in the form of the Internal Market Bill. What does this mean for you? MU Head of Communications and Government Relations Isabelle Gutierrez takes a look.

Published: 18 September 2020

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ATG Confirms That Any Staff Called to Work Will Now be Paid

In an update to our story on ATG calling for singers, musicians and other performers to work for free at their venue – the theatre organisation has now confirmed that musicians will be paid for their performances.

Published: 17 September 2020

A Guide to Applying for an ACE Project Grant

Jess Partridge, founder and editor of new music group In Stereo, provides invaluable advice for musicians applying for Arts Council England (ACE) Project Grant.

Published: 14 September 2020

Photograph of Louise, wearing a dark, professional looking shirt and smiling whilst holding a wind instrument. The background is white, bright and sunny.

Misconceptions on Wind Players Have Been Corrected, But the Damage is Done

Member and orchestral, theatre and chamber musician Louise Braithwaite discusses the effect of coronavirus and misinformation on wind players, and the wider industry.

Published: 10 September 2020

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Indoor Performances in England Can Continue Under New Restrictions

The MU has been seeking to clarify the new rules for England in the past 24 hours. We’ve had confirmation that indoor performances in Covid-19 secure venues will be able to continue, but are awaiting further information.

Published: 10 September 2020

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Updated: Visa Holders in the US at Risk as Public Charge Rules in Limbo

What artists need to know about the suspension of the new public charge rules and maintenance of visa status.

Published: 10 September 2020

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Take This Survey on Developing a Railcard for Musicians

Complete this brief survey to help campaign group Music Declares Emergency in their campaign to create a musician's railcard and encourage sustainable touring.

Published: 09 September 2020

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Member Discount for Covid-19 'Gig Screens'

MU members can now get a 10% discount on 'gig screens' designed for live events.

Published: 02 September 2020

Riverside of the Clyde at Pacific Quay. The Clyde Auditorium, SSE Hydro concert venue

Funding For the Arts Sector Announced for Scotland

The Scottish Government have announced a £59m funding package for the culture and heritage sector to protect jobs and support the industry in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis.

Published: 02 September 2020

US Visa Fee Increase as of October

New ruling from US Department of Homeland Security imposes steep increase to O and P visa filing fees.

Published: 02 September 2020

Photograph of a saxophonist performing outdoors in a park setting.

Further Clarification for Performances and Rehearsals of Non-Professional Musicians in England

The Government has updated their Covid-19 guidance for those working in the performing arts, which clarifies that non-professional musicians can perform and rehearse in Covid-secure venues in England.

Published: 28 August 2020

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Socially Distanced Theatre and Live Music Could Return to Scotland in September

Some outdoor live events in Scotland will be able to return with physical distancing, enhanced hygiene measures and restricted numbers from Monday 24 August.

Published: 20 August 2020

'This is not a hobby, it's our profession' #WorkNotPlayMU

Musicians Reject Calls to Work for Free During Covid-19 Pandemic

The Musicians’ Union has received new reports of venues and events asking musicians to work for free. This is not acceptable.

Published: 19 August 2020

A woman in a sunny field full of flowers raises her clarinet above her head, arm outstretched in a celebratory posture. She's wearing a red dress and has long curly hair.

Restrictions Around Singing, Wind and Brass Instruments Relaxed in England

We welcome the news that restrictions around Singing, Wind and Brass Instruments in England will be relaxed.

Published: 14 August 2020

A Great Day in London: The 1962 Terence Donovan Jazz Musicians Photograph

Journalist Peter Vacher discusses the history and context of Terence Donovan’s famous 1962 photograph of London’s jazz scene.

Published: 13 August 2020

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Growing Pressure on the Government, Platforms and Major Labels to Fix Streaming Now

There have now been over 15,000 signatures on our petition – which we’re running with the Ivors Academy – calling on the Government to help us #FixStreaming and keep music alive.

Published: 13 August 2020

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Online Festival to Raise Money for our Coronavirus Hardship Fund

In a bid to support venues and performing artists, a group of musicians, dancers and entertainers have created The Fantastical Festival of Furlough to bring you live streamed entertainment in a spectacular fashion.

Published: 11 August 2020

Cara Dillon looks out of a window sideways with a contemplative expression, in dim lighting. The walls behind and around her are aged and faded, suggesting that she's standing in an old cottage.

Cara Dillon: How the Folk Singer and Musician has Emerged With a Concert Film of Real Emotional Power

For Irish folk singer and musician Cara Dillon, the Covid-19 crisis has been a particularly worrying time. But the urge to create and perform has culminated in an online concert with real emotional resonance. Read her profile as written by Andy Fyfe.

Published: 10 August 2020

Visa Holders in the US at Risk as Public Charge Rules in Limbo (Updated)

What artists need to know about the suspension of the new public charge rules and maintenance of visa status.

Published: 07 August 2020

Photograph of a man singing passionately into a microphone set up

PRS for Music AGM Announced

PRS for Music has shared information on its 2020 PRS Annual General Meeting (AGM), set to take place at 12:00 pm on Tuesday 18 August, and is encouraging eligible members to participate and have their say.

Published: 07 August 2020

£6M Monthly Losses Leaving British Orchestras Struggling to Survive

We’ve joined forces with the Association of British Orchestras (ABO) to highlight the urgent need for extra funding for freelance musicians.

Published: 06 August 2020

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Calling the Government Out on Its Failure to Help Musicians

Our Head of Communications & Government Relations, Isabelle Gutierrez describes the “woefully inadequate,” response from the Government to protect musicians – and how we are lobbying against it.

Published: 06 August 2020

Summer Of Live: MU Online Fundraiser #2 Showcases Best of British Folk

Journalist Henry Yates describes how the “second charity livestream for the MU’s Coronavirus Hardship Fund featured homegrown talent performing in Sheffield, Devon, New Orleans and Montreal.”

Published: 04 August 2020

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Let The Music Play Campaign Launches Second Phase

UK Music’s Let The Music Play campaign has launched its second phase, calling for further support for the live sector during these difficult times.

Published: 04 August 2020

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Live Performance News

UK Music Unveils “Game-Changing” Plan to Boost Diversity

An Open Letter on the Threat of Brexit to Creative Working Opportunities

Application Feedback and Guidance for the ‘Developing Your Creative Practice’ fund

Welsh Government Announces Two-Week Firebreak Lockdown

How Can We Work Towards a Safe Reopening

The MU and The Ivors Academy Welcome Government Inquiry into Music Streaming

CITES: End of Transition Update

Central Belt of Scotland Restrictions Apply to Non-Professional Activities

The Cultural Recovery Fund: A Lifeline for The Music Industry

Guide to Creating Your Own Access Rider Released

Members Discount on Rehearsal and Recording Studios in London

Music in Crisis in Northern Ireland

Ask Your MLAs to Support Musicians During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Top Tips for Keeping Your Music Career Ticking Over During Covid-19

Mask Wearing and Performances: What Are the Rules

Singing, Brass and Woodwind Restrictions Relaxed in Scotland

Brexit – where are we now?

ATG Confirms That Any Staff Called to Work Will Now be Paid

A Guide to Applying for an ACE Project Grant

Misconceptions on Wind Players Have Been Corrected, But the Damage is Done

Indoor Performances in England Can Continue Under New Restrictions

Updated: Visa Holders in the US at Risk as Public Charge Rules in Limbo

Take This Survey on Developing a Railcard for Musicians

Member Discount for Covid-19 'Gig Screens'

Funding For the Arts Sector Announced for Scotland

US Visa Fee Increase as of October

Further Clarification for Performances and Rehearsals of Non-Professional Musicians in England

Socially Distanced Theatre and Live Music Could Return to Scotland in September

Musicians Reject Calls to Work for Free During Covid-19 Pandemic

Restrictions Around Singing, Wind and Brass Instruments Relaxed in England

A Great Day in London: The 1962 Terence Donovan Jazz Musicians Photograph

Growing Pressure on the Government, Platforms and Major Labels to Fix Streaming Now

Online Festival to Raise Money for our Coronavirus Hardship Fund

Cara Dillon: How the Folk Singer and Musician has Emerged With a Concert Film of Real Emotional Power

Visa Holders in the US at Risk as Public Charge Rules in Limbo (Updated)

PRS for Music AGM Announced

£6M Monthly Losses Leaving British Orchestras Struggling to Survive

Calling the Government Out on Its Failure to Help Musicians

Summer Of Live: MU Online Fundraiser #2 Showcases Best of British Folk

Let The Music Play Campaign Launches Second Phase