Live Music, Performance & Gigging News & Stories

Arts Council England Opens £20M Fund for Individuals Working in the Cultural Sector

Arts Council England (ACE) will be opening round one of applications for the fund on 9 April 2020, providing creative practitioners affected by the coronavirus outbreak with grants of up to £2,500.

Published: 03 April 2020

Empty stage with music instruments and lights on

Limited Company Directors Can Furlough Themselves

A reminder that limited company directors can receive assistance through the Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS). This may assist some members who would otherwise fall through the cracks of the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme.

Published: 02 April 2020

Government Announcement on Measures to Protect the Self-Employed Anticipated

The prime minister announced last night (Wednesday 25 March) that Government is preparing to announce measures that should put the self-employed on “parity” with employees.

Published: 26 March 2020

The Government Announces a Welcome Plan for the Self-Employed

After weeks of lobbying MPs and Ministers, the MU has welcomed the package of help that the Government has announced for the self-employed.

Published: 26 March 2020

A woman looking at a vinyl in the record store

Support Your Favourite Independent Record Shop With #LoveRecordStores

On Thursday 26 March, musicians, artists, actors and celebrity music fans around the world showing their love for their favourite independent record store over the hashtag #LoveRecordStores.

Published: 25 March 2020

Music Industry Issues Call to Chancellor for Help During Coronavirus Outbreak

Music industry and charity leaders – including the MU General Secretary Horace Trubridge – have signed a joint open letter to the Chancellor, asking for a package of urgent measures to help the crisis-hit sector fight the impact of the coronavirus.

Published: 20 March 2020

Photo of sun shining on a bunch of spring flowers.

Chancellor Offers Financial Support to Music Venues

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has acknowledged that grassroots music venues across the UK are facing unprecedented challenges to remain in business, as they fight to continue promoting live music in the long-term.

Published: 18 March 2020

Photograph of crowd in a small music venue dancing to the music.

Government Announces Welcome Rates Relief for Music Venues in 2020

We’re delighted at the news that grassroots music venues with a rateable value of below £51,000 will not have to pay business rates this year.

Published: 11 March 2020

Advice for LGBT+ Musicians Working in Poland

Nearly a third of Poland has been declared an LGBT+ free zone, as 100 local authorities have said they will not promote LGBT+ tolerance or acceptance. This includes funding NGOs working to promote equality.

Published: 10 March 2020

Photograph of buildings across the skyline in Austin, Texas

Advice to Members Following the Cancellation of SXSW Festival

Following the cancellation of this years’ SXSW festival in Austin Texas, members invited to the Showcase are advised that unless they are in possession of a valid ‘O’ or ‘P’ work visa they should not attend.

Published: 09 March 2020

Photograph of Henry singing and playing a nord piano keyboard at the Pride In London contest

LGBT History Month: My Experiences Making a Career as a Professional Musician

MU member and session pianist and vocalist Henry Newbury (winner of Pride’s Got Talent) talks about his personal experience in establishing a career as a professional musician.

Published: 20 February 2020

Photograph from the back of the MU Orchestral Conference, looking across members' heads to the panel discussion. Photo credit: Shutterstock

MU Orchestral Conference Focuses on Support Needed for Sustainable Careers

The fifth annual MU Orchestral Conference was held in Manchester last week. It focused on sustainable careers – from supporting musicians’ mental and physical health to reaffirming Orchestras’ fundamental place in society.

Published: 07 February 2020

Photograph of musician playing electric guitar on stage with smokey background and lights of various colours.

Business Rates for Grassroots Music Venues Have Been Slashed

Following intensive lobbying from across the UK music industry, the Government have announced details of a 50% reduction in business rates for small and medium sized grassroots music venues.

Published: 27 January 2020

6 MPs on Working in the EU post-Brexit and the Musicians’ Passport

The MU is fighting for a Musicians’ Passport so that you can keep working in the EU post-Brexit. And it looks like the message is getting through.

Published: 27 January 2020

Photograph of violin on its side, in shadow

ENO Opens Applications for BAME Orchestra Fellowship to Better Reflect Under Represented Musicians

English National Opera (ENO) are recruiting five new string players from a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) background in a positive effort to ensure their Orchestra more fairly reflects our society.

Published: 20 January 2020

US/Canada Border, Peace Arch, Washington state, USA

Possible Delays Entering the US for Iranian Nationals

Performing artists who are Iranian nationals or individuals of Iranian descent should anticipate delays entering the US.

Published: 07 January 2020

Photograph of small suitcases in an aircraft cabin stowage

Flybe Amends Cabin Baggage to Allow for Small Instruments

Flybe has listened to the concerns of musicians, and following a letter sent by the MU late last year, has amended its cabin baggage terms and conditions to accommodate small instruments.

Published: 06 January 2020

Photo of baggage being loaded into a place

Change in Flybe’s Musical Instruments on Planes Policy

The MU was disappointed to learn that Flybe’s Musical Instrument Policy has recently been updated, to the detriment of musicians travelling with their instruments.

Published: 16 December 2019

Crowd raises their hand in a concert venue. Photo credit: Shutter stock

Members’ Discount for Association of Independent Music Conference 2020

The Association of Independent Music (AIM) have confirmed that MU members can claim a discount to their flagship conference in February, alongside their announcement that 2020’s conference will be going ‘panel-less’.

Published: 10 December 2019

Details for CITES Rosewood Exemption Announced

The MU has learnt today that the CITES rosewood exemptions – which were agreed on at the last CITES meeting in Geneva – will take effect from 14 December 2019.

Published: 06 December 2019

16 Days of Activism with UN Women: Protected Characteristics

Over 48% of Musicians’ Union members surveyed have experienced sexual harassment at work. Shockingly, a third of those people say their harassment was related to a protected characteristic, and another 21% said they were not sure.

Published: 03 December 2019

Why the Musicians' Union is Supporting #16Days and UN Women's Stand Against Rape Culture

Musicians’ Union Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl looks at how the MU is tackling sexual harassment in musicians’ workplaces, creating Safe Space for musicians to be heard and campaigning to ensure that everyone has an equal level of protection from sexual harassment.

Published: 25 November 2019

Advice for Touring Musicians on US Court Ruling Against Device Probe

Have you ever tried entered the United States and had your smartphone or laptop searched? If so that has now been disallowed.

Published: 18 November 2019

Anna Calvi Announced as Ambassador for Independent Venue Week Alongside Plans for Their Seventh Year

Independent Venue Week has announced Anna Calvi as Ambassador for their seventh year.

Published: 14 November 2019

Photograph of guitar lying on its side with amp lead nearby

The London International Guitar Show Returns this Sunday

Now in its fourth year, The London International Guitar Show (LIGS) will be returning to Kempton Park Racecourse on Sunday 27 October 2019 from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Published: 25 October 2019

Photograph of two musicians playing live on a stage

European Social Partners in the Live Performance Sector Celebrate 20 Years of European Social Dialogue

A guest blog by National Organiser Live Performance Dave Webster, originally given as a speech on behalf of the International Federation of Musicians (FIM).

Published: 21 October 2019

Photograph of five young people sat in a circle playing guitars.

Podcast on Money Management for Musicians Released Today

The Elevate Music Podcast series – created by Help Musicians, Listen and Elevate Music – released a new episode today featuring MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl discussing what financial support is available to musicians.

Published: 21 October 2019

Live Music Inquiry at National Assembly of Wales Culture, Welsh Language and Communications Committee

The MU was delighted to give evidence as part of a live music inquiry held by the National Assembly of Wales’ Culture, Welsh Language and Communications Committee.

Published: 21 October 2019

DEFRA Releases Update on CITES Permit Applications Ahead of Brexit

Members planning to travel after Brexit with musical instruments that fall under the protected species guidelines are advised to apply for permits as soon as possible.

Published: 11 October 2019

Close up photograph of hands on a keyboard.

Opera North Seeks BAME Artists for Resonance Residencies

Opera North are seeking applications from music-makers and composers from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds living in the north of England for their third programme of Resonance residencies, supported by PRS Foundation.

Published: 01 October 2019

Bread & Roses Songwriting and Spoken Word Award 2020 Opens for Entries

The MU is supporting and sponsoring this third edition of the Bread & Roses Songwriting and Spoken Word award by the Communication Workers’ Union (CWU) and Culture Matters.

Published: 19 September 2019

Silhouetted crowd at a music event against a bright stage light

Sound City Ipswich Discounted Tickets for Members

Sound City Ipswich are pleased to announce an exclusive discount offer for MU members on Sound City Ipswich festival tickets.

Published: 18 September 2019

Photograph of person playing double bass against a dark background. Credit: Shutterstock

Help Musicians Re-opens £10,000 Fund for Promising Emerging Jazz Performers

Music charity Help Musicians has opened the 2019 application process for its £10,000 jazz fund, the renowned Peter Whittingham Jazz Award.

Published: 06 September 2019

Photo of bows for sale hanging in a shop. Photo credit: Shutterstock

CITES Votes in Favour of Allowing Exemption for Musical Instruments made with Rosewood

At the latest meeting of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – which was held in Geneva – attendees voted in favour of allowing exemptions for musical instruments made with rosewood.

Published: 03 September 2019

Kensington & Chelsea Busking Ban Update

The Musicians’ Union continues to campaign with Keep Streets Live against the recent decision made by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea to ban buskers from performing in some of London’s most iconic locations.

Published: 28 August 2019

Why I Joined the MU: Scott Bowley

Scott Bowley tells us about signing a record deal with his band 13XL, and how the MU supported him through the process.

Published: 20 August 2019

Members of the alternative folk group 9Bach

9Bach on Getting a Fair Deal Using the MU’s Contract Advisory Service

When MU members Martin and alternative folk group 9Bach needed help negotiating a contract, they used the MU’s Contract Advisory Service to make sure they could navigate the negotiation and get a fair deal.

Published: 13 August 2019

PRS for Music Launches Consultation on Live Classical Music Licenses

PRS for Music has launched a public consultation into the terms of its Tariff LC (Live Classical), which is used to license the use of music at classical music concerts and recitals.

Published: 01 August 2019

Resource Pack for All Musicians Affected By the Collapse of PledgeMusic

Music industry organisations have put together a new resource pack for all musicians affected by the collapse of PledgeMusic.

Published: 01 August 2019

Empty stage in the dark with the microphone in the spotlight

Standing Up for Diversity in Music Industry

MU members have raised concerns regarding a promoter's view that bands should not highlight their diverse make up, and that doing so is a form of tokenism that will prevent them from being booked.

Published: 30 July 2019

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Live Performance News

Arts Council England Opens £20M Fund for Individuals Working in the Cultural Sector

Limited Company Directors Can Furlough Themselves

Government Announcement on Measures to Protect the Self-Employed Anticipated

The Government Announces a Welcome Plan for the Self-Employed

Support Your Favourite Independent Record Shop With #LoveRecordStores

Music Industry Issues Call to Chancellor for Help During Coronavirus Outbreak

Chancellor Offers Financial Support to Music Venues

Government Announces Welcome Rates Relief for Music Venues in 2020

Advice for LGBT+ Musicians Working in Poland

Advice to Members Following the Cancellation of SXSW Festival

LGBT History Month: My Experiences Making a Career as a Professional Musician

MU Orchestral Conference Focuses on Support Needed for Sustainable Careers

Business Rates for Grassroots Music Venues Have Been Slashed

6 MPs on Working in the EU post-Brexit and the Musicians’ Passport

ENO Opens Applications for BAME Orchestra Fellowship to Better Reflect Under Represented Musicians

Possible Delays Entering the US for Iranian Nationals

Flybe Amends Cabin Baggage to Allow for Small Instruments

Change in Flybe’s Musical Instruments on Planes Policy

Members’ Discount for Association of Independent Music Conference 2020

Details for CITES Rosewood Exemption Announced

16 Days of Activism with UN Women: Protected Characteristics

Why the Musicians' Union is Supporting #16Days and UN Women's Stand Against Rape Culture

Advice for Touring Musicians on US Court Ruling Against Device Probe

Anna Calvi Announced as Ambassador for Independent Venue Week Alongside Plans for Their Seventh Year

The London International Guitar Show Returns this Sunday

European Social Partners in the Live Performance Sector Celebrate 20 Years of European Social Dialogue

Podcast on Money Management for Musicians Released Today

Live Music Inquiry at National Assembly of Wales Culture, Welsh Language and Communications Committee

DEFRA Releases Update on CITES Permit Applications Ahead of Brexit

Opera North Seeks BAME Artists for Resonance Residencies

Bread & Roses Songwriting and Spoken Word Award 2020 Opens for Entries

Sound City Ipswich Discounted Tickets for Members

Help Musicians Re-opens £10,000 Fund for Promising Emerging Jazz Performers

CITES Votes in Favour of Allowing Exemption for Musical Instruments made with Rosewood

Kensington & Chelsea Busking Ban Update

Why I Joined the MU: Scott Bowley

9Bach on Getting a Fair Deal Using the MU’s Contract Advisory Service

PRS for Music Launches Consultation on Live Classical Music Licenses

Resource Pack for All Musicians Affected By the Collapse of PledgeMusic

Standing Up for Diversity in Music Industry