Live Music, Performance & Gigging News & Stories

Campaigner holds a sign which reads Fix Streaming in a crowd of musicians at Parliament Square, London.

Campaign to Fix Streaming Continues as MPs Voice Support in Brennan Bill Debate

The Musicians’ Union, The Ivors Academy and Broken Record will continue the campaign to fix streaming despite Kevin Brennan MP’s Copyright (Rights And Remuneration Of Musicians) Private Members' Bill not passing today.

Published: 03 December 2021

Fostering True D/deaf Representation in BSL Performance

A special guest blog from BSL interpreter Stephanie Raper about the importance of performance in interpreting and providing access to music for the D/deaf community.

Published: 03 December 2021

MP Esther McVey stands in Parliament Square holding a sign that reads Fix Streaming. She's surrounded by other musicians, holding instruments and banners.

Letter Supporting Brennan Bill to Fix Streaming Delivered to 10 Downing Street

MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl joined Kevin Brennan MP and Esther McVey MP to deliver a letter in support of streaming reform.

Published: 02 December 2021

Touring crates being unloaded from a van with man in hat, standing in background

MU Joins Forces with the Independent Commission on UK-EU Relations

We hope that joining the independent Commission will give us more influence in creating solutions to the struggles Brexit has created for musicians.

Published: 02 December 2021

Lucy Powell MP stands with microphone, she's wearing sunglasses and a leather jacket. The crowd is out of focus.

New Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

MU welcomes the appointment of the New Shadow Secretary of State for DCMS, Lucy Powell MP.

Published: 02 December 2021

An arrow painted on a tarmac road points towards a bright blur of setting sun.

Moving the Dial on Diversity Report Published by UK Music

UK Music and UK Music’s Diversity Taskforce is calling for greater transparency in the battle to boost diversity and inclusion across the music business and creative industries.

Published: 29 November 2021

Energetic group of demonstraitors hold instruments in Parliament Square, London.

MPs Join Musicians and Music Creators at the Fix Streaming Photocall in Parliament Square

Thank you to all the MPs who attended a photocall in support of Kevin Brennan MP’s Private Members’ Bill to fix streaming.

Published: 26 November 2021

A hand holds up a megaphone against a lilac pink background

Petition Launched to Protect Iconic Manchester Music Venue The Night and Day Café

The petition is calling for Manchester City Council to remove the Noise Abatement Notice on the Night and Day Café and address the real issue in ill-considered planning and construction next to a pre-existing live music business.

Published: 26 November 2021

Grey skys over westminister bridge, with the houses of parliament and big ben in view in the background.

Brexit Lobbying Update

An update following the debate held in Westminster Hall on enabling visa and work permit free travel for musicians in the EU, with renewed calls from MPs for the Government to sort out remaining issues for musicians.

Published: 23 November 2021

BBC’s Withdrawal From Stonewall Raises Concerns

The MU has written to the BBC to raise concerns about its recent withdrawal from Stonewall’s Diversity Champions scheme.

Published: 23 November 2021

Two musicians both on guitar playing in what appears to be a small pub environment

Wide Days 2021 Releases Career Resources for Musicians

Covering topics including Covid-19 secure approaches to the future, international marketing tips, and getting your music on TV and radio – Wide Days have just released a selection of useful recordings on their youtube channel, following their 2021 Scottish Music Convention.

Published: 18 November 2021

Electronic Artist Scanner on His Music Experiments and Working in Lockdown

Electronic musician Robin Rimbaud has been producing music under the name Scanner for many years now. Here he explains his methods of creation and hopes for the future.

Published: 17 November 2021

People sitting on steps at Primavera Sound 2015 Festival

No Visas Required for Musicians for Short-Term Work in Spain

Visas are no longer required for musicians for a short term work when travelling to Spain.

Published: 17 November 2021

Photograph of a singer holding a microphone up to their face against a purple misty background, the rest of the image is in shadow.

Anonymous Survey Explores Bullying and Harassment in the Music Industry

A research team based at the University of the West of Scotland, University of Strathclyde and University of Winchester are running an anonymous online survey on bullying, harassment and the wider culture of the music industry.

Published: 16 November 2021

Two young adults playing their guitars in the kicthen, both are holding acoustic guitars as if they are preparing to play them.

Arts Council England Highlights Need To Improve Access To Classical Music For All

The recently published report, Creating a More Inclusive Classical Music, reveals the barriers to access that exist in the classical music industry, and sets out a three-year plan of action.

Published: 16 November 2021

Rosie Frater Taylor on a sofa with her guitar

Rosie Frater-Taylor on the Making of Her Album "Bloom"

Singer-songwriter Rosie Frater-Taylor talking about why making her genre-straddling second album Bloom was a coming-of-age experience.

Published: 15 November 2021

Member only Read more about Rosie Frater-Taylor on the Making of Her Album "Bloom"

Silhouette of a person standing against a stage light, the light is shining through their shoulder length hair.

MU Deputy General Secretary Talks to M Magazine on Ending Sexual Harassment at Work

MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl spoke to M Magazine about Safe Space and changing the culture of the music industry to end sexual harassment at work.

Published: 12 November 2021

An electronic music instrument, the Theremin, is on a stand on a stage with a performer stood with their hands ready to play it.

Delia Derbyshire Day to Run on Theme of Imagination 23 November

Supported by Arts Council England and The Granada Foundation, Delia Derbyshire Day will be providing electronic music education and inspiration. The theme of this year’s events, workshops and commissioned new art is imagination.

Published: 12 November 2021

Belfast City Hall illuminated at night and seen from down a busy street with blurred pedestrians

Belfast Awarded prestigious UNESCO City of Music Title

In exciting news, Belfast has become the third city in the UK to be awarded the coveted City of Music status by UNESCO celebrating the city’s rich musical heritage and recognising the importance of music to its future.

Published: 09 November 2021

Hands typing on a rose gold laptop, with a cup of coffee and a mobile phone in the background.

Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity Publishes Report Into Representation and Conflict in the Entertainment Trade Unions

The report presents crucial action points highlighting the barriers our members face engaging with the MU, and how we can take steps to remove them.

Published: 09 November 2021

A person is sat at a large recording desk, we can just see the back of their head with short cropped hair, a baseball cap, and earphones over their ears.

Fix Streaming & Composers Against Buyouts: Tackling Streaming Royalties on an International Scale

It is fair to say that the Fix Streaming campaign, run jointly by the Musicians’ Union and The Ivors Academy, and Tom Gray's Broken Record have had far greater impact in a short period of time than we thought possible when we embarked on this journey.

Published: 09 November 2021

Musicians seen standing at the front of a stage, from behind, teh camera looks out over a huge stadium sized audience.

Take Action to Fix Streaming: Ask Your MP to Support Kevin Brennan’s Bill

On 3 December, MPs will have an opportunity to fix streaming. Be sure your voice is heard in the debate.

Published: 08 November 2021

Electric bass guitarist performs on stage, we can only see their silhoutte outlined against orange and red lights

MU to Attend Sound of Belfast Festival

The MU will be attending Sound of Belfast festival, which is running across the city 11-12 November. We will be running an introduction to the MU event, as well as hosting 1-2-1 advice sessions.

Published: 05 November 2021

Two sound engineers work from the side of the stage at what appears to be a busy festival, the stage is still empty but brightly coloured stage lights illuminate it

MPs Join Forces To Demand “Urgent Action” From PM Over EU Touring Crisis Facing Musicians And Crew

In welcome news from UK Music, a letter has been sent to PM Boris Johnson on behalf of cross-party MPs demanding “urgent action” over the crisis facing musicians and crew touring the EU. Have your say by responding to the APPG’s call for evidence.

Published: 05 November 2021

Blurred vision of a protest march seen from behind, the centre of the image is on a person with long blonde hair under a pink hat, wearing a grey coat.

Marking TUC Young Workers Month This November

November is TUC Young Workers Month, when the whole trade union movement comes together to celebrate, and campaign on issues affecting, young members.

Published: 05 November 2021

A guitar player in a function band, we can see the back of the neck of an electric guitar looking out over a blurred audience

44 Conservative MPs Back Key Measures to Fix Streaming

Forty-four Conservative MPs are calling for key measures to fix streaming and keep music alive.

Published: 05 November 2021

How to Take Care of the Tabla

Kuljit Bhamra explains how the tabla is a sensitive instrument that requires careful maintenance

Published: 30 October 2021

Member only Read more about How to Take Care of the Tabla

A huge crowd of climate protestrors with various banners gathered in a street, a blow up beachball style planet is being thrown by the crowd.

Green Pension Guide Released in World First Move by Make My Money Matter

In the run up to COP26, Make My Money Matter (MMMM) have released a free online guide for organisations committing to greening their pensions – one which members may find useful to share with employers and colleagues where relevant.

Published: 29 October 2021

Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer holds up his red suitcase outside 10 Downing Street

MU Calls for Investment in Musicians Following Budget Announcement

Whilst the budget announcement did offer a welcome extension to the orchestras tax relief and business rate relief for venues, the choice not to take forward further music tax incentives and the hike in VAT could have a negative impact on the sector.

Published: 28 October 2021

Silhouette of singer on stage. Dark background, smoke, spotlights

MU Member Gives Speech at STUC Women’s Conference

MU Member Katherine Liley gave a speech at this year’s Scottish Trades Union Congress Women’s Conference, citing her own personal experiences and those of women around her, calling for a motion on creating safe workplaces for women to be moved.

Published: 27 October 2021

Love Music Hate Racism Special Episode Features Vice Chair of the MU EDI Committee

To celebrate Black History Month, Love Music Hate Racism have hosted a special episode of their #SpeakUpThursday radio show, featuring Chardine Taylor Stone.

Published: 22 October 2021

One man is sat, blurred in the background with his arm reaching around the shoulder of an older man.

Music Support to Run Addiction and Recovery Workshop For Musicians

As part of Addiction Awareness Week, Music Support are offering free places on their brand-new Addiction & Recovery workshop – with applications closing on Monday 25 October.

Published: 22 October 2021

Photograph of a trumpet in front of a dark green background.

UK Music Report Reveals Economic Impact of Covid-19

Research by UK Music reveals the music industry contributed £3.1 billion to the UK economy in 2020, down from £5.8bn in 2019.

Published: 20 October 2021

The MU Supports "Being Black in The UK Music Industry" Report Recommendations

The MU fully supports the recommendations made in Black Lives in Music’s survey report highlighting the systemic racism that Black musicians experience across the music industry. The MU’s John Shortell explains why.

Published: 13 October 2021

Two women are sat on a sofa, dressed for the office they are discussing something on a laptop and making hand gestures.

TUC Publish Handy Primer On Engaging With Your Employer About Climate Change

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) have published a 15-minute primer on everything you need to know to set up a meeting with your employer and get the conversation going a green transition in the lead up to COP26 in Glasgow this year.

Published: 11 October 2021

Against a blue background is a miniature toy globe that functions as a map of the world, with a large pair of black earphones sitting behind the globe.

Music Declares Emergency to Host First Climate Music Blowout Event

The event – which will run on Sunday 17 October in London – will include an afternoon of discussion on how the UK music industry can respond to the climate emergency, followed by a ticketed evening show celebrating the power of music.

Published: 11 October 2021

Young person wearing a face mask, and showing their vaccine plaster on their arm.

Covid-19 Passes to be Introduced in Wales

Covid passes will be introduced in Wales from Monday 11 October, following a vote in the Senedd on Tuesday 5 October.

Published: 07 October 2021

Photograph of a big pile of elephant ivory tusks.

The Ivory Ban: MU and ISM Submit a Further Response

In August the Government consulted on the civil sanctions that are being proposed in connection with illegal trading in Ivory. The consultation closed on 19 September. The MU and ISM submitted their joint response on behalf of musicians.

Published: 05 October 2021

Photograph of Labour Party Deputy leader Angela Rayner giving her speech at the Labour Party Conference

The MU at Labour and Conservative Party Conferences

The MU took a delegation to the Labour Party Conference, voting on a number of important motions and holding meetings with Labour MPs – as well as making a fleeting visit to the Conservative Party Conference to discuss the Fix Streaming campaign.

Published: 05 October 2021

The neck of a traditional instrument often used in Afghan music, known as a Rubab

MU Signs Letter in Support of Campaign to Protect Afghanistan’s Musicians

The MU was one of over 200 signatories to an open letter – published in the Sunday Times on Sunday 3 October – calling on the UK Government to explicitly prioritise musicians under the Afghanistan Citizens Resettlement Scheme.

Published: 05 October 2021

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Live Performance News

Campaign to Fix Streaming Continues as MPs Voice Support in Brennan Bill Debate

Fostering True D/deaf Representation in BSL Performance

Letter Supporting Brennan Bill to Fix Streaming Delivered to 10 Downing Street

MU Joins Forces with the Independent Commission on UK-EU Relations

New Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

Moving the Dial on Diversity Report Published by UK Music

MPs Join Musicians and Music Creators at the Fix Streaming Photocall in Parliament Square

Petition Launched to Protect Iconic Manchester Music Venue The Night and Day Café

Brexit Lobbying Update

BBC’s Withdrawal From Stonewall Raises Concerns

Wide Days 2021 Releases Career Resources for Musicians

Electronic Artist Scanner on His Music Experiments and Working in Lockdown

No Visas Required for Musicians for Short-Term Work in Spain

Anonymous Survey Explores Bullying and Harassment in the Music Industry

Arts Council England Highlights Need To Improve Access To Classical Music For All

Rosie Frater-Taylor on the Making of Her Album "Bloom"

MU Deputy General Secretary Talks to M Magazine on Ending Sexual Harassment at Work

Delia Derbyshire Day to Run on Theme of Imagination 23 November

Belfast Awarded prestigious UNESCO City of Music Title

Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity Publishes Report Into Representation and Conflict in the Entertainment Trade Unions

Fix Streaming & Composers Against Buyouts: Tackling Streaming Royalties on an International Scale

Take Action to Fix Streaming: Ask Your MP to Support Kevin Brennan’s Bill

MU to Attend Sound of Belfast Festival

MPs Join Forces To Demand “Urgent Action” From PM Over EU Touring Crisis Facing Musicians And Crew

Marking TUC Young Workers Month This November

44 Conservative MPs Back Key Measures to Fix Streaming

How to Take Care of the Tabla

Green Pension Guide Released in World First Move by Make My Money Matter

MU Calls for Investment in Musicians Following Budget Announcement

MU Member Gives Speech at STUC Women’s Conference

Love Music Hate Racism Special Episode Features Vice Chair of the MU EDI Committee

Music Support to Run Addiction and Recovery Workshop For Musicians

UK Music Report Reveals Economic Impact of Covid-19

The MU Supports "Being Black in The UK Music Industry" Report Recommendations

TUC Publish Handy Primer On Engaging With Your Employer About Climate Change

Music Declares Emergency to Host First Climate Music Blowout Event

Covid-19 Passes to be Introduced in Wales

The Ivory Ban: MU and ISM Submit a Further Response

The MU at Labour and Conservative Party Conferences

MU Signs Letter in Support of Campaign to Protect Afghanistan’s Musicians