Live Music, Performance & Gigging News & Stories

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

Photograph of a musician playing a flute in a concert like setting, blurred in the background is a score on a stand and a number of other scores behind.

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

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

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

Photograph of a musician standing at a train station with a cello

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

a female singer performing in front of the transparent protective gig screen

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

Young woman dancing at a festival, back view

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

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

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

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Live Performance News

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

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