skip to main content

Five Musicians and a Music Fan Called Steve

Tens of thousands of musicians and music lovers have signed our petition calling on Government and Parliament to back free movement for musicians working in the EU. So many, in fact, that we can make a case for Brexit based solely on the experiences of five different Steves.

Published: 08 June 2018 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:29 PM

It’s less than a year until Brexit and we still don’t know what will happen to free movement. For the thousands of musicians in the UK, this is a real concern.

Many have signed our petition calling on Government and Parliament to back free movement for musicians working in the EU.

So many, in fact, that we can make a case for Brexit based solely on the experiences of musicians and music fans called Steve. So here it is!

Why free movement matters according to five Steves

“I'm signing because I value my freedom of movement.

"This means that I can work as a musician in Europe with ease and without visas, extra admin, and being taxed twice for the same income under tax treaties.

"I want the government to respect and push for these rights to remain, and not just sweep them away in a botched exit deal or no deal at all"

– Steve

“I'm a professional musician. I can't imagine how difficult it would be to organise a tour after an unfavourable Brexit. This is our livelihoods. Music has no borders... governments should take this into account”

– Steve

“Music should not be held back by political decisions and boundaries”

– Steve

“We need to retain our travel – restrictions make no sense for creative individuals and craftsman, which obviously includes, musicians, artists and other performers”

– Steve

“It serves British musicians to travel. It also serves tourism into and within Britain to have EU diverse musicians performing in British festivals, e.g. in Lancaster and Morecambe”

– Steve

“I want the best to come to venues near me, so the best must be able to easily go to venues near other folks”

– Steve

It’s not just people called Steve

Almost 25,000 people have signed the Musicians’ Union petition for free movement post-Brexit.

Add your voice to the call for free movement.

Sign the petition.

Want to do more

Are you a musician?

Are you concerned about the future of your favourite musicians?

Join our supporter network

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

MU Head of ED&I John Shortell, with Regional Officer Simeon Scheuber-Rush and MU delegates, on the main stage in front of a blue screen saying “TUC LGBT+ Workers’ Conference 2025

MU Champions Global LGBTQ+ Rights at TUC Conference

Last week, MU members represented the Union at TUC’s annual LGBT+ Workers' Conference, where a motion was passed unanimously on protecting LGBTQ+ rights globally, the value of ED&I work, and promoting greater awareness of intersectional, LGBTQ+ inclusive health and safety issues.

Published: 08 July 2025

Read more about MU Champions Global LGBTQ+ Rights at TUC Conference
A panel event from last year in a tent. There are four people sat along a table in front of a crowd.

MU Panels and Workshop Confirmed for Tolpuddle Festival 2025

Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival takes place next weekend and we’re pleased to share more details about the MU’s presence at the event – including confirmed panel appearances, a workshop session, and the debut of our brand new union banner in Sunday’s iconic march.

Published: 08 July 2025

Read more about MU Panels and Workshop Confirmed for Tolpuddle Festival 2025
John Shortell wearing a Musicians' Union t-shirt with rainbow logo, holding a flag, during a Pride march in 2023. He is joined by colleagues and other members who are performing as they walk.

MU Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Named in IQ Magazine’s 2025 Queer Pioneers List

The MU congratulates John Shortell, Head of ED&I, on being named one of IQ Magazine’s outstanding queer professionals in the international live music business. John is a driving force for change, and the Union is exceptionally proud to have him working on behalf of musicians.

Published: 03 July 2025

Read more about MU Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Named in IQ Magazine’s 2025 Queer Pioneers List
An empty conference stage, lit up multi coloured blocks.

Join the MU at the We Make Music Scotland Conference 2025

The MU will be attending and sponsoring a workshop at this year’s We Make Music Scotland Conference, taking place on Thursday 4 and Friday 5 September at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow.

Published: 02 July 2025

Read more about Join the MU at the We Make Music Scotland Conference 2025
Wooden blocks with speech bubble graphics on them against a blue background, a single block with a red stop sign is in front of them, blocking the line, representing free speech restrictions.

MU Reiterates Anti-Censorship Stance

The MU reiterates its anti-censorship position and support for the organisation ‘Freemuse’, following the issues around the broadcasting of Glastonbury sets this weekend.

Published: 01 July 2025

Read more about MU Reiterates Anti-Censorship Stance