Live Music, Performance & Gigging News & Stories

'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

Graphic image with a black and white photograph of a woman singing into a microphone, bisected by two coloured squares and the text

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

Photograph of two drinks with ice, limes and mint. They appear to be set outside, with sun shining on them.

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

Small wooden blocks stacked in a tower, each one with a symbol representing different aspects of healthcare.

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

Close up of a spotlight on the empty stage with copy space

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

A specialist in the installation of gig stage wearing a 'Staff' t-shirt

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

A Reflection on Make Music Day 2020

Looking back on this year's Make Music Day – a global celebration of music which took place last month – we examine how it still succeeded during a global pandemic, and where you can go to catch the highlights you may have missed.

Published: 04 August 2020

Prime Minister Announces Delay to Return of Indoor Live Music

The Prime Minister has announced that the easing of coronavirus restrictions in England will be delayed due to a rise in Covid-19 cases.

Published: 31 July 2020

Photo of a concert happening indoors at a grassroots music venue, with the band silhouetted against yellow stage lights.

£2.25M to be Distributed to Grassroots Venues in England

The Government have announced that £2.25M of the £1.57BN emergency arts fund will be made available to grassroots music venues in England.

Published: 27 July 2020

Photograph of three different musicians, with the text

Join for £1 Scheme Extended to Former MU Members

Former members who left the MU five or more years ago can now join again and pay just £1 for their first six months of MU membership.

Published: 22 July 2020

Two people sitting in the car moving to live music facing the sun

Scottish Government Gives Green Light For Live Drive-in Events

The Scottish government have given the go ahead for live events to be held as drive-in entertainment from Wednesday 22 July.

Published: 21 July 2020

man with earphones and smartphone walking along city street and listening to podcast

Special Covid-19 Episodes of Elevate Podcast Released

Elevate Music and Help Musicians have teamed up to create three special episodes of the Elevate Music Podcast, exploring life for musicians during the pandemic.

Published: 21 July 2020

Photograph of a couple of guitars set back stage in an indoor venue

Indoor Performances May Return in England From 1 August

On Friday 17 July, the Prime Minister announced that indoor live performances (with social distancing) should be able to resume in England from Saturday 1 August.

Published: 20 July 2020

Photograph of the Manchester skyline at sunset

Deep Sadness as Key Manchester Venues Close Doors

Key Manchester venues Deaf Institute and Gorilla have announced their permanent closure, due to financial difficulties caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Published: 17 July 2020

The Government Endorses Industry-Led Guidance for Music Production

Music production guidance is now available to enable professional music production to restart with confidence and clarity.

Published: 10 July 2020

MU Member's Response to the Guidance on Playing Wind and Brass Instruments

Richard Steggall has written to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, in response to the recent announcements regarding the guidance on playing wind and brass instruments.

Published: 10 July 2020

Musician is playing a guitar on stage outdoors

Live Performance Update Following New Government Guidance for England

Outdoor live performance in front of audiences permitted in England under new Government performing arts guidance.

Published: 10 July 2020

The Great (Livestreamed) Gig in the Sky: Part-Two

In part-two of Sam’s blog on monetising livestreamed performances, he talks with Artistic Director Kenneth Killeen about what the future may look like for venues, performers, and monetized livestreamed performances.

Published: 09 July 2020

Female violinist playing at a garden wedding

Playing at Weddings: Hold the Macerena

MU National Organiser for Live Performance, Dave Webster, discusses how it does now seem possible for some live music to take place at weddings in England only – however it’s unlikely that anyone will be doing The Macerena any time soon.

Published: 09 July 2020

Stands for music note standing in the church

Advice for Organists in Places of Worship

New guidance from the Government means that organists can now practice in places of workship, as long as the right measures are in place.

Published: 09 July 2020

Government Announces that in England Live Performances can Take Place Outside

From the weekend of 11 July, live performances can take place outside in England.

Published: 09 July 2020

The Great (Livestreamed) Gig in the Sky: Part-One

In part-one of musician and lecturer Sam Leak’s blog on monetising live performances he discusses paywalls, ticketing and how to keep your audience engaged.

Published: 07 July 2020

Summer of Live Festival in Aid of Our Coronavirus Hardship Fund for Musicians

We’re joining forces with the British Underground to present a Summer of Live Online event on Saturday 18 July, hosted by the award-winning Greg Russell and featuring the talents of John Smith, Lady Nade and Chloe Foy.

Published: 07 July 2020

The Usher Hall, a concert hall in Edinburgh

Vital Performing Arts Venue Funding Announced for Scotland

A £10 million fund to support Scotland’s performing arts venues has been announced by Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop.

Published: 03 July 2020

We’re Calling on Local Authorities to Support Open Air Music Performance

We’re calling on the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities & Local Government and local authorities to encourage the generation of local culture through live music, whilst respecting safe distancing in keeping with the latest government guidelines.

Published: 03 July 2020

Photo of music audience crowd, hands raised towards off-shot performer

Let The Music Play Campaign Calls for Vital Financial Support from the Government

Today UK Music, an umbrella organisation of which the MU is a part, has launched a campaign highlighting the huge challenges the music industry is currently facing and possible solutions.

Published: 02 July 2020

Photograph of musician performing on stage.

Take Action and Call for Vital Financial Support

Ask your MP to support a sector specific financial support package to protect our vital cultural assets – and the musicians who work in them.

Published: 01 July 2020

Orchestras Begin Tentative Start on the Comeback Trail

Following the Culture Secretary’s vague lockdown easement plan, we discuss how important it is that every attempt must be made to mitigate risk, the tentative first steps that some Orchestras have been taking, and the collective determination of musicians to be heard.

Published: 30 June 2020

Frustration as Pubs Reopen with No Live Entertainment, a Lobbying Update

Our Head of Communications & Government Relations Isabelle Gutierrez discusses the actions the MU are taking to lobby government and make sure that no musician is left behind.

Published: 30 June 2020

Jazz bar with a stage with black piano and cello

The MU Reacts to Government Guidance for Restaurants, Pubs and Bars Reopening

The MU's Live Performance Department look at the latest Government guidance for restaurants, pubs and bars - and the bitter blow it delivers for live music.

Published: 29 June 2020

Watch the MU Summer of Live on IGTV

Catch up with live music and chat from Eliza Shaddad, Jack Curley, Prima and Kinkai as part of the MU Summer of Live.

Published: 26 June 2020

Empty seats in the The Shakespeare's Globe theatre

The MU Cautiously Welcomes Government Road Map for Live Sector

While the five-step road map for getting theatres open is welcome, without sector specific financial support, many theatres will struggle to reopen their doors and much of the talent will be forced out of the profession.

Published: 26 June 2020

Photograph of person sat at a computer with their guitar set up to play.

Music Making Online in Real-Time

Musician and educator Alastair Penman discusses web platforms that can make playing together over the internet a possibility, and how to optimise your own system to get the best results.

Published: 25 June 2020

Photo of man on sofa, writing on sheet of music, an acoustic guitar propped nearby

Composers and Songwriters Face Growing Concerns for the Future

MU Live and Music Writers Official, Kelly Wood, discusses the “real fear that writers and composers will be suffering from the effects of this lockdown far beyond the reopening of other sectors across the industry”.

Published: 15 June 2020

Cookies on Musicians' Union

Use your voice

Popular searches

Live Performance News

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

A Reflection on Make Music Day 2020

Prime Minister Announces Delay to Return of Indoor Live Music

£2.25M to be Distributed to Grassroots Venues in England

Join for £1 Scheme Extended to Former MU Members

Scottish Government Gives Green Light For Live Drive-in Events

Special Covid-19 Episodes of Elevate Podcast Released

Indoor Performances May Return in England From 1 August

Deep Sadness as Key Manchester Venues Close Doors

The Government Endorses Industry-Led Guidance for Music Production

MU Member's Response to the Guidance on Playing Wind and Brass Instruments

Live Performance Update Following New Government Guidance for England

The Great (Livestreamed) Gig in the Sky: Part-Two

Playing at Weddings: Hold the Macerena

Advice for Organists in Places of Worship

Government Announces that in England Live Performances can Take Place Outside

The Great (Livestreamed) Gig in the Sky: Part-One

Summer of Live Festival in Aid of Our Coronavirus Hardship Fund for Musicians

Vital Performing Arts Venue Funding Announced for Scotland

We’re Calling on Local Authorities to Support Open Air Music Performance

Let The Music Play Campaign Calls for Vital Financial Support from the Government

Take Action and Call for Vital Financial Support

Orchestras Begin Tentative Start on the Comeback Trail

Frustration as Pubs Reopen with No Live Entertainment, a Lobbying Update

The MU Reacts to Government Guidance for Restaurants, Pubs and Bars Reopening

Watch the MU Summer of Live on IGTV

The MU Cautiously Welcomes Government Road Map for Live Sector

Music Making Online in Real-Time

Composers and Songwriters Face Growing Concerns for the Future