Musicians’ Union Meets With PledgeMusic to Discuss Outstanding Payments

The Musicians’ Union (MU) met today with crowdfunding platform PledgeMusic, to discuss outstanding payments owed to musicians.

Published: 30 January 2019 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:29 PM

MU General Secretary Horace Trubridge explained the union's current position, and next steps for members:

“The MU has been aware for some time that musicians who have launched campaigns on the crowdfunding platform, PledgeMusic, are owed outstanding monies.

“We have today met with PledgeMusic and they have assured us that the outstanding payments will be brought up to date within the next 90 days.

“This is far from satisfactory, but at this time we believe that any legal action against Pledge may be counter-productive.

“That position may change over time and we will keep you up to date with developments.

“In the meantime we would suggest that, if you are thinking of launching a crowdfunding campaign, you should approach one of the other established crowdfunding platforms until such time as this situation has been resolved.”

See all news

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

Continue reading

Open hands holding a paper chain of connected people, one is in a wheelchair, representing unity and equality.

New Report by Radical Body Highlights Barriers Facing Disabled Arts Workers

A new research project drawing on the experiences of more than 250 disabled creatives highlights ongoing access barriers in the arts sector. In response, Radical Body has also launched a micro-grant scheme for disabled artists who struggle to leave their homes, applications close 20 April.

Published: 09 April 2026

Tom standing in front of the door to Lio London cabaret (formerly the Café de Paris), in October, 2024.

Tribute to Thomas William O’Connor (Tommy/Tom)

Tom O’Connor, a talented drummer who performed in the West End, on multiple cruise ships and even at Queen Elizabeth’s garden party, passed away at the age of 89 in March 2026. He was a lifelong member of the Musicians’ Union for 68 years, having joined in 1958.

Published: 09 April 2026

Diljeet, sat on stage with the panellists, speaking into a microphone.

Challenging Stereotypes in the Music Industry: MU Panel at Launchpad 2026

At the 2026 Launchpad Conference in Leeds, the MU’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Dr Diljeet Bhachu, led a candid panel with Northern artists exploring identity, representation and the experiences of Global Majority and marginalised musicians in the UK music industry.

Published: 08 April 2026

A musician in a recording studio sitting in front of a computer with a keyboard next to him.

Sign the Petition for Fair Work in Scotland’s Creative Industries

With Scotland’s elections fast approaching, we’re calling on musicians to help secure real change by signing the petition for Fair Work across the nation’s creative industries.

Published: 02 April 2026

A crowd of protesters at a march. In the middle are matching placard held up that say

MU at Together Alliance March 2026: Largest Anti-Far Right March in UK History

MU members joined thousands who gathered in London on 28 March for the Together Alliance demonstration, in a powerful display of solidarity and resistance to the far right.