skip to main content

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.

Photo ofDawn Rodger
By Dawn Rodger Published: 09 December 2021 | 11:39 AM
Musicians playing in a band setting, we can see a woman singing into a microphone and a man playing on the guitar
With live music barely having begun to return, the thought of gigs potentially being cancelled again is devastating. Photo credit: Shutterstock

The emergence of the new Omicron strain of the virus is raising inevitable questions as to whether we are soon to face further restrictions and what impact these might have on our member’s work. With live music barely having begun to return, the thought of gigs potentially being cancelled again is devastating.

As it stands, the rules relating to live performances have not changed, and so on the face of it bookings should stand. If and when the rules do change, please be assured we will work to keep our advice up to date for you.

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. Many recent gig contracts already contain set out agreed terms if a booking is cancelled for reasons related to Covid. General legal principles such as frustration may also be applicable if indeed the government rules do change.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Three wooden blocks with red icons painted on them.

MU Concerned by New EU Customs Fees for Artists Selling Merchandise

A new EU customs charge on low-value parcels is creating additional costs and administrative challenges for musicians selling merchandise directly to fans in Europe. The MU will work to ensure musicians affected by the new legislation are represented at a stakeholder consultation later this year.

Published: 31 July 2026

Read more about MU Concerned by New EU Customs Fees for Artists Selling Merchandise
A brick wall with the flags of Spain and Gibraltar painted on it, overlapping each other.

Spain-Gibraltar Border Changes: What the New Agreement Means for Musicians

New arrangements between Gibraltar and Spain will remove routine border checks for people crossing by land. While the agreement does not change existing rights to work in Spain or the EU, any time spent in Gibraltar will count towards musicians’ 90-day allowance for the Schengen area.

Published: 30 July 2026

Read more about Spain-Gibraltar Border Changes: What the New Agreement Means for Musicians
A pink sign being held up that says

Music Qualifications Reform Debated in House of Lords

Peers from across the political spectrum raised concerns about the Government’s proposed reforms to level 3 music qualifications, with ministers confirming that existing qualifications will remain in place until at least 2030 and announcing a new creative advisory board to help shape the reforms.

Published: 28 July 2026

Read more about Music Qualifications Reform Debated in House of Lords
Large crowd sat in front of the main stage at Tolpuddle. It is a sunny day and there are lots of festival tents.

A Weekend of Music and Solidarity at Tolpuddle 2026

From panel discussions on AI and workers' rights to performances across the festival and a vibrant union procession, the MU played a visible role throughout Tolpuddle 2026, celebrating the power of music, solidarity and collective action.

Published: 23 July 2026

Read more about A Weekend of Music and Solidarity at Tolpuddle 2026