Live Music, Performance & Gigging News & Stories

Representatives from the UK music industry at the Bristol Beacon cultural centre.

Bristol Nights Launches Proposals For New Fund Supporting Bristol’s Music Scene

Bristol Nights has launched a new feasibility study, A Ticket to the Future, outlining proposals for a new fund aimed at supporting Bristol’s music scene.

Published: 19 November 2024

A folk band playing at Band on the Wall in Manchester.

Exclusive Member Discount for Un-Convention Conference in Manchester

Un-Convention 112th music conference and showcase returns to Manchester on November 21 and 22, for which MU members are able to get discounted tickets.

Published: 30 October 2024

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Black and grey image of a small rock show at an underground/grassroots venue.

The MU and FAC Publish Open Letter to Government and Live Sector on Cost-of-Touring Crisis

The letter states how artists have previously been locked out of support mechanisms offered to other parts of the industry, and calls for a blanket ticket levy on arena events to help musicians progress in the sector. Members can show support for the letter by signing the MU and FAC’s petition.

Published: 29 October 2024

A female musician with a guitar performing at a festival to a crowd in Austin, Texas.

New Report Reveals PRS Foundation's International Showcase Fund Provides Vital Support for UK Artists

PRS Foundation have released a new impact report demonstrating how the International Showcase Fund (ISF) helps music creators across the country to develop their careers and contribute to the wider UK economy.

Published: 24 October 2024

A hand stamping a passport at border control.

An Update on Electronic Entry and Exit Systems for the EU and UK

The EU Commission has announced that the launch date for the EU's new Entry/Exit System, initially planned for 10 November, has been delayed.

Published: 22 October 2024

Motions on Mental Health and ULEZ Policies Passed at STUC Black Workers’ Conference

The MU called on the STUC to lobby Government to remove baseline financial barriers for creative workers, recognise the link between low mental wellbeing and low income, and review ULEZ policies across Scotland’s major cities to assess the impact on different creative communities.

Published: 16 October 2024

A musician busking on the street with a crowd around him.

Have Your Say on the Future of Busking in Edinburgh

Take part in a two-minute survey about busking in Edinburgh to make sure artist needs are represented in future council decisions.

Published: 15 October 2024

Silhouette of a rap artist performing on stage against a bright blue lights.

A Personal Journey Through Hip-Hop: From Cyphers to Social Impact

Xidus Pain is a renowned rap artist and influential music educator. In this personal blog to celebrate Black History Month 2024, he discusses what the genre means to him and how it has shaped both his own personal journey and musical career.

Published: 01 October 2024

Dark blue background with stars, with a banner reading #keepstrictlylive.

Sign the Petition to Bring Back the Full Strictly Come Dancing Live Band

The Musicians’ Union is calling on musicians and Strictly Come Dancing fans to sign the Keep Strictly Live petition.

Published: 13 September 2024

Successful applicants will receive a showcase and travel fee, as well as a development fund and tailored mentorship programme. Image credit: Shutterstock.

Applications Open for Scotland-based Artists to Perform at Resonate Live Showcase 2024

Resonate Scotland is offering Scotland-based artists a chance to perform at the Resonate Music Conference in Glasgow Thursday 28 November 2024.

Published: 13 September 2024

Naomi Pohl speaking at the Trades Union Congress 2024 event.

Trades Union Congress Backs Renegotiation of EU-UK Trade and Co-operation Agreement

The TUC voted for a motion highlighting the impact of Brexit on creative industries and calling on the TUC to campaign for a renegotiation of the UK-EU deal.

Published: 10 September 2024

A fiddle player playing with an accordion player as part of a folk music performance.

Take Part in European Folk Day on 23 September

Folk musicians are encouraged to take part in the 2nd annual European Folk Day taking place on 23 September 2024.

Published: 22 August 2024

MU Gravely Concerned by Closure of Scotland’s Vital Arts Fund

We are deeply concerned to learn that Creative Scotland has closed the Open Fund for Individuals due to the Scottish Government budget cuts.

Published: 21 August 2024

MU Takes on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing to Fight Against Cuts to Popular Live Band

We are calling on musicians and Strictly fans to share their support for a fully live Strictly band using the hashtag #KeepStrictlyLive.

Published: 15 August 2024

Touring crates lined up outside on a cobbled street.

Touring in the EU Post Brexit: Key Findings and Next Steps From the MU’s Recent Survey

Although over half of surveyed musicians told us that touring the EU was no longer financially viable for them, we have been working with the new Labour Government to address the concerns raised, and are hopeful that the barriers can be addressed.

Published: 30 July 2024

Person sat on the floor cross-legged in front of an open laptop, surrounded by a note book and tealight candles.

Breathing For Calm: A Short Breath Control Exercise From Feldenkrais Expert Emma Alter

Originally posted during International Feldenkrais Week on her blog, professional classical musician and Feldenkrais teacher Emma Alter discusses breath control and how she approaches it in her classes, which are free for MU members.

Published: 19 July 2024

A man explaining something to a woman as they sit in front of a computer screen.

CULT Cymru Announces Second Year of New Mentoring Programme for MU Members in Wales

MU members living and/or working in Wales can now apply for 6 months of free mentoring sessions with CULT Cymru.

Published: 28 June 2024

Fans in a music venue enjoying a concert.

MU Partners with Manchester Festival Beyond The Music 2024

We are delighted to partner with Beyond The Music in Manchester. Our North of England Team will be on hand during the conference to discuss regional issues and are leading an industry panel on misogyny in music.

Published: 21 June 2024

concert crowd in front of bright stage lights.

Apply to Perform at Edinburgh’s Made in Scotland Showcase

Applications are now open for Scotland-based artists to perform their music at the Made in Scotland showcase on 14-15 August 2024.

Published: 11 June 2024

Have Your Say in Shaping the Future of Bristol’s Music Scene

Bristol City Council wants to know how you feel about Bristol's local music. Fill out the survey and support the creation of a self-sustaining music fund.

Published: 07 June 2024

Silhouettes of crowd in front of a small festival stage in blue light.

Association of Independent Festivals Endorses MU Access Rider Scheme

The Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) has endorsed the MU’s Access Rider to its membership and will be holding a session to explain what access riders are, why we need them, and why festivals should adopt them as a standard part of all contracting.

Published: 03 June 2024

Birds eye view of a woman on her tablet, sat cross legged next to an open suitcase with a pair of headphones on top of clothes.

MU Launch Brand New Member Benefit for Discounted Hotel Rooms in London

Our new partnership with Imperial Hotels means that we are now able to offer our members discounted rooms in selected hotels across London. Over time, we hope to expand this benefit to other locations throughout the UK.

Published: 01 June 2024

A woman handing over her passport and travel documentation to an immigration officer.

MU Announces Continued Partnership with Viva La Visa for Free Visa Advice Line

If you're seeking guidance on visas, work permits or travel documentation for touring abroad, you can access Viva La Visa's free advice line.

Published: 01 June 2024

A banjo player and a guitar player performing live music outdoors.

Folk Alliance International 2025 Official Showcase Applications Open

Folk artists can now apply for an official showcase at the 2025 Folk Alliance International Conference in Montréal.

Published: 30 May 2024

Four panel members sitting on stage with microphones in front of a live audience.

Fair Play on Tour: Protecting Your Health and Wellbeing as a Live Musician

The MU hosted a panel at The Exchange in Bristol to discuss health and wellbeing for live musicians.

Published: 17 May 2024

A male musician singing passionately into a microphone on stage.

Applications for FAC Step Up Fund 2024 Now Open

UK-based artists can now apply for up to £8,000 in funding to support recording, releasing, content creation, touring or any career-related projects.

Published: 17 May 2024

Empty stage with drum kit, cast in green light in a small music venue.

MU Responds to CMS Report on Grassroots Music Venues

We welcome the recommendations made to Government in the report by the Culture, Media and Sport Committee (CMS), and are hopeful that we can use this opportunity to start to repair the grassroots live scene for all involved.

Published: 14 May 2024

The four panelists talking in front of an audience.

Sustainable Touring: MU Sound the Alarm at Liverpool Sound City Forum 2024

The MU hosted a panel on the critical issue of sustainable touring in the music industry at this year’s Liverpool Sound City industry conference.

Published: 14 May 2024

View of the Victorian Brighton Pier and the Brighton wheel at sunset.

MU Statement on Musicians Wishing to Boycott The Great Escape Festival 2024

The MU stands in solidarity with members and non-members who are boycotting this year’s Great Escape Festival due to sponsorship concerns, and reiterate the importance of getting in touch with your regional office should you need support and/or advice.

Published: 03 May 2024

Members of the WNO orchestra standing outside the Bristol Hippodrome with leaflets from a demo on 27 April 2024.

Protect Welsh National Opera: Sign the Petition Now

Musicians at Welsh National Opera orchestra are campaigning to keep the orchestra full time and secure the company’s future.

Published: 02 May 2024

A female electric guitarist performing live on stage at a festival, with a drummer in the background and audience members onlooking.

Applications Open for European Artists to Showcase at ESNS 2025

European artists can now apply to perform at ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag), a key exchange for emerging European music.

Published: 02 May 2024

A musician with an acoustic guitar singing into a microphone on stage at a music venue, as audience members watch.

PRS Foundation Launches New Fund for Early Career Music Promoters

PRS Foundation has announced the Early Career Promoter Fund, a new initiative that aims to bolster the grassroots music ecosystems.

Published: 02 May 2024

Two new UK passports, overlapping over a map of the world.

Update for Members Working in the EU on New Government Report and Feedback Opportunity

An update for musicians working in the EU, including a DAG report referencing carnets and visa waivers, as well as your chance to tell the Government what support and resources you need when working abroad.

Published: 29 April 2024

A lively crowd and street market in Portugal.

Open Call to Perform at Inaugural Showcase Festival SQUARE

Taking place in early 2025 across four Portuguese cities, SQUARE is seeking British and European artists to perform as part of its inaugural showcase line-up.

Published: 24 April 2024

Electric keyboard and microphone in foreground, with small choir group out of focus in the background.

MU Joins Calls for ‘Voice’ to be Eligible Instrument Under Orchestra Tax Relief to Enable Choirs to Benefit

Major music sector organisations, networks and individuals are calling for ‘voice’ to be added to the eligible instruments, so that choirs can claim Orchestra Tax Relief.

Published: 24 April 2024

A musician waiting at an airport with an instrument case and luggage, while listening to music on their phone.

UK Sounds: PRS Foundation Launches New Initiative to Support UK Music Export

The MU welcomes UK Sounds, a new platform from PRS Foundation’s International Showcase Fund. The online hub will empower UK artists looking to expand overseas while connecting international industry professionals with UK talent.

Published: 11 April 2024

A black female singer performing live at a music concert.

The REMEL Project: Addressing Race Equality in Live Music

The new REMEL project will use research to address inequalities and create a more transparent, equitable licensing model for live music.

Published: 03 April 2024

Small blue toy car over a map of Europe.

Take Part in the MU’s New Survey on Touring in the EU Post Brexit

Your answers are key to helping us assess the impact leaving the EU has had on touring musicians, and if our specialist information and guidance has been useful or needs improving. Your feedback is also vital in shaping our work when liaising with government.

Published: 03 April 2024

Magnifying glass over a light bulb icon on a wooden block, with yellow background.

MU Experts Delve into Labour’s New ‘Access to Arts’ Plan

In this special feature, some of the key departments at the Musicians’ Union respond to Labour’s new report on supporting the creative industries, explaining how these plans may affect our members and their careers.

Published: 19 March 2024

An almost silhouette of a women from behind in front of a stage in the spotlight.

Gabriella Di Laccio and the Donne Foundation: Championing Women in Music

This Women’s History Month we share a powerful guest blog from an award-winning soprano, recording artist, public speaker, curator and activist. Meet Gabriella Di Laccio, the unstoppable force behind Donne, Women in Music - a charitable foundation which is breaking records and influencing change.

Published: 14 March 2024

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Live Performance News

Bristol Nights Launches Proposals For New Fund Supporting Bristol’s Music Scene

Exclusive Member Discount for Un-Convention Conference in Manchester

The MU and FAC Publish Open Letter to Government and Live Sector on Cost-of-Touring Crisis

New Report Reveals PRS Foundation's International Showcase Fund Provides Vital Support for UK Artists

An Update on Electronic Entry and Exit Systems for the EU and UK

Motions on Mental Health and ULEZ Policies Passed at STUC Black Workers’ Conference

Have Your Say on the Future of Busking in Edinburgh

A Personal Journey Through Hip-Hop: From Cyphers to Social Impact

Sign the Petition to Bring Back the Full Strictly Come Dancing Live Band

Applications Open for Scotland-based Artists to Perform at Resonate Live Showcase 2024

Trades Union Congress Backs Renegotiation of EU-UK Trade and Co-operation Agreement

Take Part in European Folk Day on 23 September

MU Gravely Concerned by Closure of Scotland’s Vital Arts Fund

MU Takes on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing to Fight Against Cuts to Popular Live Band

Touring in the EU Post Brexit: Key Findings and Next Steps From the MU’s Recent Survey

Breathing For Calm: A Short Breath Control Exercise From Feldenkrais Expert Emma Alter

CULT Cymru Announces Second Year of New Mentoring Programme for MU Members in Wales

MU Partners with Manchester Festival Beyond The Music 2024

Apply to Perform at Edinburgh’s Made in Scotland Showcase

Have Your Say in Shaping the Future of Bristol’s Music Scene

Association of Independent Festivals Endorses MU Access Rider Scheme

MU Launch Brand New Member Benefit for Discounted Hotel Rooms in London

MU Announces Continued Partnership with Viva La Visa for Free Visa Advice Line

Folk Alliance International 2025 Official Showcase Applications Open

Fair Play on Tour: Protecting Your Health and Wellbeing as a Live Musician

Applications for FAC Step Up Fund 2024 Now Open

MU Responds to CMS Report on Grassroots Music Venues

Sustainable Touring: MU Sound the Alarm at Liverpool Sound City Forum 2024

MU Statement on Musicians Wishing to Boycott The Great Escape Festival 2024

Protect Welsh National Opera: Sign the Petition Now

Applications Open for European Artists to Showcase at ESNS 2025

PRS Foundation Launches New Fund for Early Career Music Promoters

Update for Members Working in the EU on New Government Report and Feedback Opportunity

Open Call to Perform at Inaugural Showcase Festival SQUARE

MU Joins Calls for ‘Voice’ to be Eligible Instrument Under Orchestra Tax Relief to Enable Choirs to Benefit

UK Sounds: PRS Foundation Launches New Initiative to Support UK Music Export

The REMEL Project: Addressing Race Equality in Live Music

Take Part in the MU’s New Survey on Touring in the EU Post Brexit

MU Experts Delve into Labour’s New ‘Access to Arts’ Plan

Gabriella Di Laccio and the Donne Foundation: Championing Women in Music