Live Music, Performance & Gigging News & Stories

“The MU Couldn’t Function Without You” - Chair of the Executive Committee Alex Gascoine Addresses MU Delegate Conference

Chair of the Executive Committee Alex Gascoine opened MU Delegate Conference with a look at how work has changed in the last two years, and how the union is tackling the big challenges facing musicians.

Published: 02 August 2023

Small child wearing ear defenders sits on someone's shoulders while looking at a large concert at a festival

Basic Income North Conference Explores Relationship Between Trade Unions and UBI

Why should trade unions support universal basic income, and what can unions do to support the UBI movement? A panel at the Basic Income North Conference 2023 explored the issues.

Published: 28 July 2023

MU Executive Committe Vice Chair Andi Hopgood, stands and speaks from the mic while holding a small child.

Wrapping Up MU Delegate Conference 2023: Motions, Updates and Celebrations

MU Delegate Conference wraps up with motions on the Welsh language, future pandemic planning for musicians and the closure of rail ticket offices, with union members using the second day of MU Delegate Conference to vote on a very clear set of policy priorities.

Published: 26 July 2023

Colourful map of Lambeth showing Archbishop's park and the surrounding areas

MU Raises Objections to Destruction of Community Arts Venue Iklectik

The MU has written to the Mayor of London, calling on him to refuse the planning application for the development of office buildings in Lambeth that would see the recording and rehearsal spaces in community art venue Iklectik, destroyed.

Published: 19 July 2023

Long exposure of a bus travelling in Glasgow city center at night time.

MU Concerned by First Glasgow Plans to Cancel Night Bus Service

Although plans to cancel the service have currently been delayed until August, the MU is asking any members affected to contact the Scotland Regional Office to discuss their concerns, with the potential to be interviewed about their experiences.

Published: 19 July 2023

A number of touring crates stand on tarmac

Decision on US Visa Proposed Increase in Petition Fees Delayed

Following a January 2023 proposal to adjust fees charged by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), it has now been reported that a final rulemaking will not occur until March 2024, implying that the original proposal will not go ahead in its proposed form.

Published: 18 July 2023

Pair of hands on a computer keyboard and a piano keyboard.

POWER UP Announces Participant List for Third Year of Programme

The POWER UP participant programme - co-founded by the PRS Foundation and Ben Wynter to elevate pioneering Black talent, whilst addressing anti-Black racism and racial disparities in the music sector - has announced the successful participants for its third year running.

Published: 17 July 2023

Brixton Hill Studios Saved from Closure Thanks to Overwhelming Campaign Response

The cultural institution Brixton Hill Studios has confirmed that they have been granted a lease renewal, following campaigning efforts and support from organisations across the industry including the Musicians’ Union.

Published: 17 July 2023

The Houses of Parliament on a bright Summer evening, lit up with some bright orange lights.

Recipients of Parliamentary Jazz Awards Announced for 2023

The Parliamentary Jazz Awards which were announced on Tuesday 4 July celebrate and recognise the vibrancy, diversity, talent and breadth of the jazz scene throughout the United Kingdom.

Published: 10 July 2023

Large cup of coffee on a table in a brightly lit coffee shop

New Series of MU 1-2-1 Advice Sessions Released Across Scotland

We’ll be running free 30-minute advice sessions in Edinburgh, Dundee, Dumfries, Glasgow and Galashiels over the summer, with more dates to be announced for Skye, Inverness and Aberdeen in the Autumn.

Published: 04 July 2023

Mike Nottage stands behind a table set up for PAT testing with a medium sized amp on display

Testing Times: Ensuring Your Equipment is Safe and You Are Protected

MU Member and PAT tester Mike Nottage writes up his answers to your most frequently asked PAT testing questions, and some thoughts from the PAT testing events he’s run in the past for MU members.

Published: 03 July 2023

Close up of The Epstein Theatre sign in large gold lettering outside the venue in daytime.

Sign the Petition to Help Save Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre

The Epstein Theatre closed Friday 30 June after Liverpool City Council announced it would be ending financial support. Members are encouraged to sign a petition to help save the historic venue.

Published: 30 June 2023

Empty outdoor stage with sound equipment set up.

MU Responds to Cancellation of Doune the Rabbit Hole Festival

A joint statement from the MU, Bectu and Equity on the cancellation and what this means for those who were meant to be working and performing at this year’s festival.

Published: 22 June 2023

Liverpool Hood Street bus terminal at night, with long exposure of traffic trails/light of public transport.

MU Supports Liverpool’s ‘Bring Back Night Buses’ Campaign and Survey

The MU is asking members local to Liverpool to complete a short survey which will help organisers better understand the needs of public transport users, with an aim of providing convenient, safe and affordable links to local music venues.

Published: 21 June 2023

Pastel red sunrise over the Humber Bridge in Hull

MU Sponsors Love Music Hate Racism All-Dayer in Hull

The Finale of Love Music Hate Racism’s Crisis Music Tour will be taking place at the Adelphi Club in Hull on Sunday 2 July with a free all-dayer. The MU will be present and are sponsoring the event.

Published: 20 June 2023

Black background with golden glitter and confetti to represent a celebration.

The MU’s 130th Anniversary

We look back on the Union’s rich history and the battles won and lost over the decades.

Published: 20 June 2023

Welly boots covered in mud lie in the sunshine on very fresh green grass

Musician Iona Fyfe Advises Caution For Those Performing at This Year’s Doune the Rabbit Hole Festival

Scottish musician, activist and MU Member Iona Fyfe advises performers to speak to the MU before engaging with the festival.

Published: 08 June 2023

The outside roof detail of the London Coliseum, home of The English National Opera.

Motion To Save The English National Opera Passed at London Assembly

The motion was passed on Thursday 8 June and called for Arts Council England to end its requirement for the English National Opera to establish a primary base out of London.

Published: 05 June 2023

MU and Partners Release New Guide for Musicians With Pernambuco Bows

The guide provides tips and important information for owners in relation to the Control of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) permits.

Published: 02 June 2023

Microphone in front of the bands instruments standing ready on a stage for a live performance.

MU Meets With Mayor of London Team to Discuss Racial Profiling Of Live Events

The discussion focused on the allegations of racial profiling of musicians by the Met Police, where venues were pressured into cancelling shows by predominantly Black artists and artists who perform music of Black origin.

Published: 24 May 2023

Information on New Low Emissions Zone in Glasgow

An important notice for members living in, or travelling to perform in Glasgow.

Published: 24 May 2023

A view panning over rooftops indicating dense housing in an area of Lewisham.

Musician Calls for the Protection For the Right to Play Musical Instruments

A classical musician who had to move out of her London flat following noise complaints has started a petition calling for clarification around music practice in relation to statutory nuisance laws, which the MU has followed up with a letter to Lewisham Council.

Published: 23 May 2023

A keyboard is propped up at a diagonal angle with rainbow lights highlighting the different keys, the background is dark.

Issues Around Artificial Intelligence and the Music Industry Discussed on Channel 4 News

The Chief Executive of UK Music – of which the MU is a founding member – Jamie Njoku-Goodwin spoke to Matt Frei at Channel 4 News about the impact of AI on the music industry.

Published: 23 May 2023

Bright abstract neon dots are blurred in dark space, in pink and purple colours with a party like atomosphere

Resonate’s Free Monthly Networking Nights Return to Glasgow

Resonate, Scotland’s music conference event for industry professionals, musicians, students and aspiring artists, have announced the return of their monthly networking nights, commencing on Thursday 25 May.

Published: 19 May 2023

Black male rapping with microphone in camo jacket and glasses with a small crowd in the background.

MU and Black Lives in Music Write to Mayor of London Over Racial Profiling at Live Events

The MU is deeply concerned that claims of racial profiling of musicians by the Met Police have once again surfaced.

Published: 18 May 2023

Pink glittering sequins sewn onto fabric

MU Comments on Lack Of Representation in UK Eurovision Contestants

In an article by NationalWorld revealing that the UK’s contestants have included no Black or Asian artists for the past 12 years, the MU has commented on how important it is that the media reflects our “ever-diversifying society.”

Published: 12 May 2023

MU Urges Lambeth Council to Reopen O2 Brixton Academy

The proposed permanent closure of the venue would be not only an unnecessary reaction, but a huge blow to the music scene in London and beyond.

Published: 05 May 2023

Three people sat in an airport with suitcase and an acoustic guitar.

EU Provides Clarity Regarding Portable Musical Instruments and Associated ATA Carnet Requirements

The additional information from the EU Commission on touring with portable instruments and supplementary equipment will provide some clarity for MU members.

Published: 04 May 2023

Kelly Wood, Paul Smith, Annabella Coldrick and Jeremy Pritchard post panel at Liverpool Sound City 2023.

Touring in the EU Post Brexit: Panel Highlights from the MU at Liverpool Sound City 2023

The MU led an insightful panel discussion at this year’s event on the UK live sector’s new relationship with Europe.

Published: 04 May 2023

Busker Charlotte Campbell, a white woman with long blonde hair sings in an outdoor location, smiling into the microphone and strumming an acoustic guitar.

Singer-Songwriter Charlotte Campbell on Making Connections Through Busking

For Charlotte Campbell, busking is so much more than a career stepping stone. It’s a medium that offers immediacy and a powerful way to connect with her audience. We follow her career from the BRIT School to the Southbank.

Published: 03 May 2023

Impact of Arts Council England Cuts on Young Workers Raised at TUC Young Workers’ Conference

MU delegate Tom Plater explores the impact of Government arts funding cuts on young people in this speech to TUC Young Workers’ Conference 2023.

Published: 18 April 2023

MU Head of International Dave Webster speaks on stage at a networking event that's part of SXSW

The MU at SXSW 2023: Supporting Members and Making the Case for Fair Visa Fees

MU Head of International Dave Webster joined close to 160 UK bands attending this years’ South by South West (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas, supporting and advocating for musicians.

Published: 17 April 2023

An audience raises their arms in silhouette at a live gig with purple and pink lighting

MU Experiences a Bumper Year for Fee Recovery

Following a bumper year for fee recovery in 2022, MU Midlands Regional Officer Ben Benson talks us through some of the Midlands biggest wins for members, and his top tips for fee recovery in 2023.

Published: 17 April 2023

Kelli-Leigh sits on stage at the MU Members' Conference, a blue background behind her. She has one hand raised in the air as she speaks into a microphone.

Speaking up and Standing Together to Change the Industry

In Kelli-Leigh’s resonant keynote speech at the MU Members’ Conference, she discussed her journey to standing up for what she believes in, and discovering others going through the same.

Published: 17 April 2023

A Feldenkrais demonstration taking place, where the arm of a model skeleton is held up in the same pose as the arm of a demonstrating participant

Michelle Saacks: Why I go the MU’s free Feldenkrais sessions

The MU have been running Feldenkrais sessions for members over Zoom for a few years now, and in this article MU Member Michelle Saacks talks about her own Feldenkrais journey – from finding herself in a more functioning body, to the impact it’s had on her teaching.

Published: 14 April 2023

Why I Joined The MU: Holly Carter

Pedal Steel Guitarist Holly Carter discusses the feeling of community she gets from being a member of the Musicians’ Union, the sense of coming together and supporting each other.

Published: 13 April 2023

A photo of Clive Deamer playing on a Gretsch drum kit in front of purple and blue stage lighting.

Instinctive Innovator: A Session Musician’s Career Story

Clive Deamer always knew he was going to be a drummer, and his skills as a spectacular polyrhythmist able to blend traditional skill with contemporary style have seen him work with acts from Radiohead to Tom Jones. This profile explores his story.

Published: 13 April 2023

Member only Read more about Instinctive Innovator: A Session Musician’s Career Story

Outside of BBC headquarters building London.

BBC Confirms Commitment to Working With The Musicians’ Union

The MU believes the BBC is signalling a reset of the consultation process and the union will enter talks with them on the basis that discussion will focus on alternatives to the job cuts.

Published: 13 April 2023

People at the ENO joint Unions demo from November 2022 holding signs reading Fund the Arts.

MU Welcomes Latest English National Opera Funding News

The Musicians’ Union welcomes opportunity for additional funding for English National Opera, but warns it still represents a significant real-terms cut.

Published: 12 April 2023

Silhouette of man sitting at sunset representing mindfulness.

Ben Haines: How Skills From The MU’s Meditation Sessions Transformed My Playing

Ben Haines is a regular at the MU’s free weekly Meditation sessions, which originally started during the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic due to the enormous impact it had on the mental health of our members. Here he shares why he’s been going ever since.

Published: 11 April 2023

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“The MU Couldn’t Function Without You” - Chair of the Executive Committee Alex Gascoine Addresses MU Delegate Conference

Basic Income North Conference Explores Relationship Between Trade Unions and UBI

Wrapping Up MU Delegate Conference 2023: Motions, Updates and Celebrations

MU Raises Objections to Destruction of Community Arts Venue Iklectik

MU Concerned by First Glasgow Plans to Cancel Night Bus Service

Decision on US Visa Proposed Increase in Petition Fees Delayed

POWER UP Announces Participant List for Third Year of Programme

Brixton Hill Studios Saved from Closure Thanks to Overwhelming Campaign Response

Recipients of Parliamentary Jazz Awards Announced for 2023

New Series of MU 1-2-1 Advice Sessions Released Across Scotland

Testing Times: Ensuring Your Equipment is Safe and You Are Protected

Sign the Petition to Help Save Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre

MU Responds to Cancellation of Doune the Rabbit Hole Festival

MU Supports Liverpool’s ‘Bring Back Night Buses’ Campaign and Survey

MU Sponsors Love Music Hate Racism All-Dayer in Hull

The MU’s 130th Anniversary

Musician Iona Fyfe Advises Caution For Those Performing at This Year’s Doune the Rabbit Hole Festival

Motion To Save The English National Opera Passed at London Assembly

MU and Partners Release New Guide for Musicians With Pernambuco Bows

MU Meets With Mayor of London Team to Discuss Racial Profiling Of Live Events

Information on New Low Emissions Zone in Glasgow

Musician Calls for the Protection For the Right to Play Musical Instruments

Issues Around Artificial Intelligence and the Music Industry Discussed on Channel 4 News

Resonate’s Free Monthly Networking Nights Return to Glasgow

MU and Black Lives in Music Write to Mayor of London Over Racial Profiling at Live Events

MU Comments on Lack Of Representation in UK Eurovision Contestants

MU Urges Lambeth Council to Reopen O2 Brixton Academy

EU Provides Clarity Regarding Portable Musical Instruments and Associated ATA Carnet Requirements

Touring in the EU Post Brexit: Panel Highlights from the MU at Liverpool Sound City 2023

Singer-Songwriter Charlotte Campbell on Making Connections Through Busking

Impact of Arts Council England Cuts on Young Workers Raised at TUC Young Workers’ Conference

The MU at SXSW 2023: Supporting Members and Making the Case for Fair Visa Fees

MU Experiences a Bumper Year for Fee Recovery

Speaking up and Standing Together to Change the Industry

Michelle Saacks: Why I go the MU’s free Feldenkrais sessions

Why I Joined The MU: Holly Carter

Instinctive Innovator: A Session Musician’s Career Story

BBC Confirms Commitment to Working With The Musicians’ Union

MU Welcomes Latest English National Opera Funding News

Ben Haines: How Skills From The MU’s Meditation Sessions Transformed My Playing