The decision will allow artists to keep all merchandise revenue, helping to ensure they receive a greater share of the income generated from their live work. Image credit: Shutterstock.
The MU welcomes the decision made by Belfast's Ulster Hall and Waterfront Hall to end merchandise commission for artists.
From 1 October 2026, artists performing at the two venues will retain 100% of their merchandise income, including the sale of t-shirts and music, removing a cost that has long been a concern for musicians and the wider live community.
Supporting artists amidst rising touring costs
The announcement follows sustained engagement between the venues, the Musicians' Union and the wider music sector since the issue first received significant public attention ahead of the NI Music Prize in 2021.
The MU has welcomed the decision and praised Ulster Hall and Waterfront Hall for engaging constructively with concerns raised by musicians and representatives over recent years.
The move is designed to demonstrate the venue's commitment to supporting artists and touring and to help improve the commercial viability of live tours at a time when costs across the touring industry continue to increase.
A significant win for musicians and the wider community in Northern Ireland
Charlene Hegarty, MU Regional Officer for Northern Ireland, said:
"This is a significant win for musicians and the wider creative community in Northern Ireland and beyond.
"Merchandise sales have become a lifeline for some touring musicians, particularly when touring and performing costs continue to rise. This change demonstrates what can happen when venues, artists and representative organisations engage constructively. I want to give credit to the teams at Ulster Hall and Waterfront Hall, particularly Charlie McCloskey, for the way they have engaged with this issue since it first came to prominence in 2021.
"We hope this decision will encourage other venues to look at their own practices and consider how they can ensure artists receive a fair return from every aspect of their live activity."
Rob McConnell, Chief Executive of ICC Belfast, Waterfront Hall and Ulster Hall said:
“We want to make it clear that we are committed to supporting artists and the wider touring ecosystem. Removing merchandise commission is a tangible way in which we can put more revenue directly back into the hands of the artists and touring parties who create the shows our audiences love."