Live Music, Performance & Gigging News & Stories

Rebecca Garton pictured sitting on vintage suitcase

Rebecca Garton Shares Her Experiences as a Woman of Colour in the Music Industry

This International Women's Day R&B singer-songwriter Rebecca talks about her experiences as a woman in the industry, and shares her advice on what to hold on to, to continue to thrive.

Published: 08 March 2022

Naomi Pohl Elected as First Female General Secretary of the Musicians’ Union on International Women’s Day

It has been confirmed today that Naomi Pohl has been elected as MU General Secretary.

Published: 08 March 2022

Close up of Harpsicord key made out of ivory.

Ivory Ban – Latest Update

The Government has announced a registration process for items containing Ivory.

Published: 04 March 2022

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Free Sexual Harassment Toolkit From The Fawcett Society

The Tackling Sexual Harassment in the Workplace toolkit is a free resource available to both employers and employees.

Published: 04 March 2022

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Deadline Approaches on Survey to Support Musicians’ Use of Eurostar

The data from this survey will be used to lobby for the St Pancras Eurostar terminal in London to become a designated port for instruments requiring a MIC certificate to travel. Opening up a quick and affordable way for these musicians to access Europe for work.

Published: 02 March 2022

Expressing Solidarity With Ukraine

We know that MU members are very concerned about the situation in Ukraine and keen to express solidarity and take action in support of the country and its people.

Published: 02 March 2022

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Touring in the EU - Live Event Recording

Watch the recording of the Touring in the EU post Brexit event from 24 February 2022.

Published: 01 March 2022

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General Secretary Election Ballot Deadline Remains Monday 7 March 2022

The MU Executive Committee has reluctantly voted to reject a motion from 20 members received on Tuesday 22 February requesting that the deadline for receipt of General Secretary election ballot papers be extended by a minimum of one week.

Published: 28 February 2022

Essential Guide to Music Funding Now Available

The Unsigned Guide have released a 36 page Essential Guide to Music Funding aimed at emerging and unsigned artists and bands.

Published: 25 February 2022

Two same-sex parents embracing a new born baby. Both woman have red/pink in their hair and are looking down and smiling at the baby in the middle of them.

Extension of Parental Grants for MU Members

Following a decision at the last MU delegate conference, parental grants for members are now offered per-child in the case of multiple births or adoptions.

Published: 24 February 2022

Woman sitting at open laptop smiling with headphones on.

Creative Ambitions for Freelancers Programme

The Creative Ambitions skills development and support programme is now open and available to those based in Scotland.

Published: 24 February 2022

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Prime Minister Announces End to Covid-19 Restrictions and Free Mass Testing in England

The Prime Minister announced on Monday 21 February that Covid-19 restrictions and free mass testing will end in England. Scotland has also announced changes. Restrictions in Wales and Northern Ireland are yet to be reviewed.

Published: 23 February 2022

2 silver fold up chairs on blue yoga mats.

Feldenkrais: Working With, or Moving Past Fear of Pain

In this repost of her blog, professional classical musician and Feldenkrais teacher Emma Alter responds to a question raised in one of her classes about fear of movement due to pain.

Published: 18 February 2022

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A Boost for Carry on Touring Campaign

The MU is delighted that Tim Brennan and MU member Ian Smith have been nominated for the UK Parliament petition campaign of the year award.

Published: 10 February 2022

Yellow and pink banner with a blue megaphone, reading

General Secretary Election – Ballot and Candidate Statements

The final stage of the process to elect the next MU General Secretary, the postal ballot, opens on Monday 14 February. Further information about the ballot and the process so far are provided below.

Published: 10 February 2022

British Black Music to Hold Overview and Progress Forum One Year After UK Music Diversity Report Released

Members are encouraged to attend the online forum on 16 February, to hear and interrogate the progress of the UK Music 10-Point Plan presented by the UK Music Diversity Taskforce leads.

Published: 09 February 2022

Close up of people from behind playing violin in an orchestra, reading from a score of sheet music

New Recruitment and Audition Advice for Orchestras

The MU has updated its pages regarding best practice for an inclusive recruitment process for orchestras.

Published: 08 February 2022

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Update to Provider of The MU Personal Injury Claim Service

Morrish Solicitors are the new provider for our personal injury claim service and other legal service benefits.

Published: 07 February 2022

Guitar player on a stage, we can only see the body of the electric guitar and their shoulder. There is a drummer blurred in the background.

What Does the Government’s Removal of Plan B Mean for Musicians?

Whilst we welcome the lifting of restrictions in England, getting gigs back up and running isn’t as simple as flicking a switch. It’s also vital that we consult and acknowledge musicians who must continue to shield at home.

Published: 03 February 2022

Close up of the Birmingham Bullring shopping centre with a sunny and cloudy sky reflected in the mirrors of the building

Sign the Petition to Stop the Busking Ban in Birmingham

MU asks musicians to sign the petition against new proposals in Birmingham that would ban busking in many of the prime pitches in the city.

Published: 26 January 2022

Man in sun glasses and hair tied up, wearing an open denim shirt walking down the street listening to wired headphones from phone.

MU National Organiser Chris Walters Talks to Music for Youth’s Remix Podcast

Listen now to the Spotify podcast where the MU's Chris Walters discusses studying music, the role music plays in mental health and more.

Published: 26 January 2022

Two climbers set against a sunset on a mountain, one offering the other a hand up.

Free Addiction and Recovery Workshop from Music Support for MU Members

We’re pleased to share that our friends at Music Support are currently offering our members the opportunity to attend their Addiction and Recovery Workshop for free.

Published: 25 January 2022

Man in t-shirt wearing hat and thick rimmed glasses on synth board.

POWER UP Announces Year 2 Participant Programme Deadline

The holistic POWER UP Participant Programme which includes grants of up to £15k, mentoring, partner, marketing and network support is open for applications until Thursday 17 February 2022.

Published: 25 January 2022

Close up of hand writing musical notes on paper

PiPA are Looking for Classical Musicians, Composers, Singers and Conductors to Take Part in Their Inaugural Classical Music Survey

This aim of the survey is to investigate the impact of caring responsibilities on career progression in Classical Music as well as wider workforce issues including work-life balance and wellbeing.

Published: 20 January 2022

An elderly looking hand rests on the shoulder of another person, who has their hand placed comfortingly over the elderly hand.

Music Support Asks for Feedback From MU Members

Music Support is a charity that provides help for musicians dealing with addiction and/or mental health issues. Please complete their survey by 1 February to help improve and develop its services.

Published: 20 January 2022

MU Reacts With Dismay at Announcement of BBC Licence Fee Freeze

The two-year license fee freeze is likely to harm job opportunities for musicians as The BBC is the single biggest employer of MU members in the UK.

Published: 19 January 2022

Funding and Updated Information for Members in Wales

Some funding will be available from this week as restrictions are relaxed.

Published: 18 January 2022

Out of focus stage captured from the right side, one musician is playing guitar in front of a microphone with yellow stage lighting.

Access up to £10,000 of Funding for Businesses in Central Portsmouth

SMEadvisor have been in touch with the MU to let us know that they have access to grants of up to £10,000 for businesses in the central Portsmouth area that continue to be impacted by the economic impact of Covid-19.

Published: 11 January 2022

a man browsing Instagram with his headphones on

Making the Most of Instagram as an Artist

With social media increasingly becoming a key aspect of the music business, Katie Nicholls talks to artists and digital experts to find out if Instagram is the holy grail it promises to be for musicians.

Published: 08 January 2022

Photograph of someone writing into a notebook wearing a white coat in what appears to be a medical setting

Temporary Change to Fit Notes

The Government has announced that employers cannot ask for proof of sickness (such as a fit note) until after 28 days of sickness, including non-working days. This is a temporary measure to give GPs more time to work on the Covid-19 booster.

Published: 04 January 2022

Working to Address Discrimination and Inequality in the Music Industry

Equality is a trade union issue, and the collective weight of the MU is the key to successfully creating safer and fairer workplaces and communities for musicians.

Published: 30 December 2021

Lady Nade and Her Songs From the Heart

Singer-songwriter Lady Nade, a rising star on the UK Americana scene, talks about creating songs inspired by love, family and friendships.

Published: 27 December 2021

Stage with bright lights and microphones ready for concert

Getting Paid When Asked to Work For Free

Despite the devastating impact of the pandemic, incidences of musicians being asked to play for free are still rife. Neil Crossley examines how the MU is responding and what musicians can do.

Published: 23 December 2021

A hand holds up a red and white megaphone against a pale pink background.

Important Changes to the MU General Secretary Election

Due to the significant rise in Covid-19 infections across the UK, in-person Regional Nomination Meetings will now be held online instead.

Published: 23 December 2021

A drummer is playing on a kit in their home, a laptop computer set up near them is recording the performance.

MU Demands Financial Assistance for Freelance Musicians from the Government

The MU is calling on the Government to account for the urgent needs of its members in the coming weeks due to the impact of the Omicron variant and the subsequent rise in Covid-19 cases.

Published: 21 December 2021

Red guitar case on street open for donations to busker, crowd out of focus in background

Busk In London Initiative Given Green Light to Continue This Christmas

Despite the recent reintroduction of mandatory face coverings, festive performances can still continue this year, thanks to the work of Busk in London.

Published: 09 December 2021

A koala bear curls up sleepily against a tree with a background of vibrant green folliage

Improving the MU Members' Pension Scheme: Introducing ESG Investing

Find out more about what Hencilla Canworth, the administrators of the MU members’ pension scheme, are doing to consider their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) investment strategy.

Published: 09 December 2021

Photograph of a small globe on a desk, with a man working at a laptop in the background out of focus

Update to International Travel Restrictions

As of Tuesday 7 December, all passengers entering the UK must take a pre-departure test to travel.

Published: 09 December 2021

Musicians playing in a band setting, we can see a woman singing into a microphone and a man playing on the guitar

Advice for Musicians Facing Threat of Cancellations Due to Omicron

If you are already facing the threat of cancellations due to the Omicron variant, then please contact your regional office in the first instance. Each cancellation will have to be looked at on its own facts, with consideration of the contractual terms of your booking.

Published: 09 December 2021

TUC to Hold Event on Preventing Sexual Harassment for Workplace Reps

The TUC will be launching a new resource toolkit for reps around preventing sexual harassment in the workplace, on Monday 13 December at 2:00 pm.

Published: 07 December 2021

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Live Performance News

Rebecca Garton Shares Her Experiences as a Woman of Colour in the Music Industry

Naomi Pohl Elected as First Female General Secretary of the Musicians’ Union on International Women’s Day

Ivory Ban – Latest Update

Free Sexual Harassment Toolkit From The Fawcett Society

Deadline Approaches on Survey to Support Musicians’ Use of Eurostar

Expressing Solidarity With Ukraine

Touring in the EU - Live Event Recording

General Secretary Election Ballot Deadline Remains Monday 7 March 2022

Essential Guide to Music Funding Now Available

Extension of Parental Grants for MU Members

Creative Ambitions for Freelancers Programme

Prime Minister Announces End to Covid-19 Restrictions and Free Mass Testing in England

Feldenkrais: Working With, or Moving Past Fear of Pain

A Boost for Carry on Touring Campaign

General Secretary Election – Ballot and Candidate Statements

British Black Music to Hold Overview and Progress Forum One Year After UK Music Diversity Report Released

New Recruitment and Audition Advice for Orchestras

Update to Provider of The MU Personal Injury Claim Service

What Does the Government’s Removal of Plan B Mean for Musicians?

Sign the Petition to Stop the Busking Ban in Birmingham

MU National Organiser Chris Walters Talks to Music for Youth’s Remix Podcast

Free Addiction and Recovery Workshop from Music Support for MU Members

POWER UP Announces Year 2 Participant Programme Deadline

PiPA are Looking for Classical Musicians, Composers, Singers and Conductors to Take Part in Their Inaugural Classical Music Survey

Music Support Asks for Feedback From MU Members

MU Reacts With Dismay at Announcement of BBC Licence Fee Freeze

Funding and Updated Information for Members in Wales

Access up to £10,000 of Funding for Businesses in Central Portsmouth

Making the Most of Instagram as an Artist

Temporary Change to Fit Notes

Working to Address Discrimination and Inequality in the Music Industry

Lady Nade and Her Songs From the Heart

Getting Paid When Asked to Work For Free

Important Changes to the MU General Secretary Election

MU Demands Financial Assistance for Freelance Musicians from the Government

Busk In London Initiative Given Green Light to Continue This Christmas

Improving the MU Members' Pension Scheme: Introducing ESG Investing

Update to International Travel Restrictions

Advice for Musicians Facing Threat of Cancellations Due to Omicron

TUC to Hold Event on Preventing Sexual Harassment for Workplace Reps