skip to main content

Next Stage Survey Reveals 2 In 3 Musicians Have Compromised Health and Wellbeing to Perform Live

Attitude is Everything’s Next Stage survey, supported by the Musicians’ Union, reveals 2 in 3 musicians have had to compromise their health and wellbeing to perform live.

Published: 09 May 2019 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:29 PM
Graphic banner reading
Graphic: Attitude is Everything

46% of respondents said they are disabled by physical barriers at most gigs they play, and 40% reported having their access requirements ignored or not taken seriously by venues.

These barriers are not exclusive to the live sector – 51% of people surveyed said they have encountered access related barriers when seeking to rehearse.

Common issues reported in studios include:

  • A lack of affordable step free studios.
  • Communications issue with staff.
  • Cancellation policies and minimum booking times that do not work for musicians with a disability.

Results are sadly unsurprising

Musicians’ Union (MU) Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Official John Shortell said:

"The findings of Attitude is Everything (AIE)’s Next Stage survey are sadly unsurprising. Disabled musicians are still facing barriers accessing festivals and venues because musicians with impairments aren’t always considered.

“We are well aware that much more work needs to be done to highlight and break down the barriers disabled musicians experience. The Next Stage survey is a fantastic way to start those conversations and begin to build an accessible music industry.

“Improved access benefits everyone and changes don’t necessarily have to be big, structural or expensive; sometimes a conversation about access requirements is all it takes.

"Excluding disabled musicians deprives audiences of some amazing talent, more engagement with disabled musicians and a greater awareness of appropriate access requirements would really change that.

“Accessibility should never be an afterthought; all venues and festivals should be accessible to all musicians. The MU looks forward to working with AIE, venues and festivals to change the landscape for disabled musicians and open up the music industry to everyone.”

Musician? Join for £1 and get your first six months free as well as contract advice, professional development and networking, and support when you need it most.

Love music? Sign up as a Supporter for free to support our campaigns and protect the music you love.

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

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
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