Live Music, Performance & Gigging News & Stories

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

conference room filled with members , Dave Webster leading the discussion

First Ever Members' Conference Brings in Voices from Across the Union

MU General Secretary Horace Trubridge today introduced the Union’s first ever Members' Conference – which saw members and officials from across the regions, as well as the Union’s Executive Committee (EC), coming together to discuss essential decisions for the future of the MU.

Published: 24 July 2019

MU Conference Plea to New Prime Minister – Don’t Drag Us Off The Cliff

The first MU conference under General Secretary Horace Trubridge kicked off today with clear calls for the Government to protect freedom of movement for touring musicians and to invest in the music education sector.

Published: 23 July 2019

Disappointment at Busking Ban Decision

The MU is extremely disappointed by the decision of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea to ban busking in certain areas and enforce these bans through Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO).

Published: 18 July 2019

Amanda Dal: "You Have to Be the Change You Want to See"

Multi-genre drummer Amanda Dal tells us about how becoming a member of the MU helped her to skirt dodgy gig deals early in her career, and inspired her to get active and make a difference.

Published: 08 July 2019

Photo of Millicent Stephenson holding a saxophone, with banner reading

Why I Joined the MU: Millicent Stephenson

Multi award winning saxophonist, Millicent Stephenson, tells us how joining the MU helped her develop her passion for music into a full-time career.

Published: 01 July 2019

Children of The Windrush Generation Make Music

Millicent Stephenson explores the impact of the Windrush Generation on both her personal musical development, and on the development of music in the UK as a whole.

Published: 18 June 2019

Photograph of Megan O'Neill sitting in front of an amplifier with a guitar

Megan O’Neill: "Every UK Musician Should Take Advantage of MU services"

Irish born singer-songwriter Megan O’Neill tells us about the support she's received so far through membership of the MU.

Published: 13 June 2019

Photo of Lester Clayton the band, with Lester Clayton on the far right.

Lester Clayton on Taking Advantage of the MU's Legal Advice and Assistance

When an MU member found his band in a tricky situation, legal support from the MU took a weight off his shoulders.

Published: 12 June 2019

Aerial shot of the Stables venue in rural, green environment.

Action Needed to Protect Music Venue The Stables Under Renewed Threat

Members are urged to write to the Council, after developers seek to by-pass the protective measures put in place by Milton Keynes Council to save established music venue the Stables.

Published: 07 June 2019

Photo of Sally Rea Morris, with caption reading reading

Sally Rea Morris: "The MU Have Felt Like a Much-needed Support System"

Country singer-songwriter Sally Rea Morris tells us how becoming a member of the MU made taking the leap into being a full time, self-employed musician a little less scary.

Published: 03 June 2019

Image of colourful houses on a hill in Bristol

Bristol MU Members Called to Complete Survey into Cumulative Impact Areas Consultation

Bristol @ Night, an advisory group on the night time economy for Bristol Council, is calling on musicians to assist them in their consultation into Cumulative Impact Areas (CIAs) in Bristol by completing a short survey.

Published: 31 May 2019

Liver Building in Liverpool against blue sky

Liverpool Philharmonic and British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) Announce New Partnership

A new partnership between BAPAM and Liverpool Philharmonic is now providing free Performing Arts Medicine Clinics at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.

Published: 13 May 2019

Arts Council England Announces £1.5 Million Budget to Support Grassroots Live Music

The Musicians’ Union (MU) welcomes Arts Council England’s (ACE) announcement of a new ring-fenced budget to support projects hosting and promoting live music in grassroots venues.

Published: 10 May 2019

Poster of different musicians playing under

Make Music Day to be Celebrated in the UK on 21 June

The Musicians’ Union (MU) is supporting Make Music Day – an event which aims to turn the country into a stage and offer a full spectrum of performers the opportunity to display their musical skills.

Published: 08 May 2019

Portrait photograph of band members Caroline Gilmour and Marissa Keltie, with text

Scottish Pop Duo "The Eves" on Why They Joined the MU

Scottish duo The Eves, Caroline Gilmour and Marissa Keltie , talk through their reasons for joining the Musicians’ Union (MU) and why it’s benefited them.

Published: 30 April 2019

TUC Black Workers Conference Supports Drill Music, Rejects Discrimination Against Black Artists

The Musicians’ Union is delighted that the TUC Black Workers Conference voted to support music education in schools and end discrimination against drill artists.

Published: 17 April 2019

Musicians’ Union (MU) launches Fair Engagement Guide for Performing and Touring with Featured Artists

New Musicians’ Union Live Advice

The MU launches Fair Engagement Guide for Performing and Touring with Featured Artists.

Published: 28 March 2019

A selection of percussion being used in a children's music lesson

Stand Up to Zero-Hours Contracts this HeartUnions Week

This HeartUnions Week, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) is calling on you to take a stand against zero-hours contracts.

Published: 11 February 2019

5 Tips for Booking Disabled Music Artists

Attitude Is Everything, the disability-led charity improving deaf and disabled people’s access to live music, shares its five tips for booking disabled artists.

Published: 19 November 2018

Music Industry Figures Reveal Surge in Exports, Recording Music and Jobs in Record £4.5 Billion Boost to UK Economy

UK Music’s 2018 Measuring Music report has revealed rises in UK music industry exports, recorded music and publishing revenues and music industry jobs.

Published: 01 November 2018

BBC Introducing Live Festival Includes Musicians’ Union Takeover Panel

BBC Introducing Live at Tobacco Docks is a new three-day music festival, hosting over 100 masterclasses, workshops and panel discussions – and featuring over 250 speakers from across the music industry, including representatives from the MU.

Published: 29 October 2018

Musicians’ Union National Organiser Orchestras to Retire

After 29 years Musicians’ Union (MU) National Organiser Orchestras Bill Kerr will be retiring from the MU on 8 February 2019.

Published: 22 October 2018

Musicians’ Union Responds To Geronimo Festival Liquidation Proceedings

The Musicians’ Union (MU) has expressed its concerns about liquidation proceedings being commenced for 'Geronimo Festival UK Ltd’ which owes MU members several thousand pounds.

Published: 15 August 2018

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Live Performance News

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

First Ever Members' Conference Brings in Voices from Across the Union

MU Conference Plea to New Prime Minister – Don’t Drag Us Off The Cliff

Disappointment at Busking Ban Decision

Amanda Dal: "You Have to Be the Change You Want to See"

Why I Joined the MU: Millicent Stephenson

Children of The Windrush Generation Make Music

Megan O’Neill: "Every UK Musician Should Take Advantage of MU services"

Lester Clayton on Taking Advantage of the MU's Legal Advice and Assistance

Action Needed to Protect Music Venue The Stables Under Renewed Threat

Sally Rea Morris: "The MU Have Felt Like a Much-needed Support System"

Bristol MU Members Called to Complete Survey into Cumulative Impact Areas Consultation

Liverpool Philharmonic and British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) Announce New Partnership

Arts Council England Announces £1.5 Million Budget to Support Grassroots Live Music

Make Music Day to be Celebrated in the UK on 21 June

Scottish Pop Duo "The Eves" on Why They Joined the MU

TUC Black Workers Conference Supports Drill Music, Rejects Discrimination Against Black Artists

New Musicians’ Union Live Advice

Stand Up to Zero-Hours Contracts this HeartUnions Week

5 Tips for Booking Disabled Music Artists

Music Industry Figures Reveal Surge in Exports, Recording Music and Jobs in Record £4.5 Billion Boost to UK Economy

BBC Introducing Live Festival Includes Musicians’ Union Takeover Panel

Musicians’ Union National Organiser Orchestras to Retire

Musicians’ Union Responds To Geronimo Festival Liquidation Proceedings