The Committee is putting fans at the heart of this review — and is calling on them to share their experiences of live and electronic music. Photo: Shutterstock.
The House of Commons’ Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee is conducting a survey as part of their fan-led review of live music.
The inquiry seeks to improve the sustainability of grassroots live and electronic music, and support the long-term health of the UK music sector.
The MU's view
The live sector remains an important yet challenging environment for artists to work in. Understanding how it might be improved from the fans’ perspective can only be a good thing in terms of seeking improvements for artists.
The artist-fan relationship is the basis of most musicians’ careers, and it’s therefore vital that fans have their say. The industry needs to work for both musicians and consumers. By feeding into this survey, fans can help to make the case for a fairer and healthier live sector.
Artists really value their audiences, and many are already taking special steps to make gigs work for fans. These measures can be expensive or outside of an artist’s control. However, findings from the survey could help to make the case for some much-needed support to bring changes where needed.
Fans are the biggest voice in the room at gigs, and play a vital part in keeping venues open and artists on stage - we’re pleased to see them being given the opportunity to share their experiences.
We encourage members to take the survey and share it with their fanbases.
Aims of the fan-led review
The review will bring together music fans to share ideas on how to protect the live music sector and ensure it works in the best interests of audiences.
It will explore a range of issues, including:
- The challenges faced by emerging artists when touring
- The overall music fan experience
- The provision and safety of live and electronic music events
- The sustainability of grassroots venues
- The effectiveness of existing policies and levels of government support for live music
The Committee has made clear its belief that live music is vital — not only culturally but economically. The UK music industry is one of only three net exporters of music globally and is the third-largest domestic music market in the world.
However, it faces increasing pressures: venues and clubs continue to close at an alarming rate, and many artists are unable to sustain their careers through touring alone.
Have your say on the future of live music
The Committee is putting fans at the heart of this review — and is calling on them to share their experiences of live and electronic music. Their responses will inform the inquiry and shape the final report, which will include recommendations for government.
The Government is required to respond to all recommendations made in the final report. The Committee may also hold in-person events across the country, giving fans further opportunity to contribute.
Find out more about the review and take the survey below.