skip to main content

National Gig Rates

Updated: 26 February 2024 | 14:13 PM
Rates

Recommended minimum rates of pay for casual engagements in pubs, clubs and at functions, April 2023.

Single performance fees

  • For musicians in groups performing in pubs and clubs of up to 3 hours: £147.00 per musician 
  • For musicians in groups performing at functions of up to 4 hours: £196.00 per musician 

Setting up time

The engagement is payable at the full hourly rate from whatever time the musician is required to have his/her instruments and equipment set up.

Overtime

Hourly rate of £49.00 payable at time and a half, therefore £73.50 per hour (or part thereof).

Distance fees and travel expenses

Porterage

  • Group A - £35.23 – Electric Guitar (inc’ Amp); Bass Guitar (inc’ Amp); Double Bass.
  • Group B - £30.50 – Bass Sax, Tuba.
  • Group C - £24.30 – Contra Bassoon; Baritone Sax; French Horn + 1 other brass instrument; Trombone + 1 other brass instrument or bag of mutes: Two Saxes; Cello; Bass Clarinet: Pedalboards.
  • Group D – subject to individual negotiation – Drum Kit; Percussion; Harps: Keyboards: P.A.

Doubling/Trebling/Quadrupling

15% of fee for each additional instrument

Breaks 

Minimum of 15 mins per 2 hours playing

Late fees

Payable when time of return is between midnight and 2:00 am: £31.89

Overnight stay

Payable when return would be after 2:00 am: £125.00

Subsistence

Payable per day to cover meals and expenses: £56.70

Downloads

Guidance notes

The MU’s live rates are based on an hourly rate which a self-employed musician needs to charge in order to earn an income, relative to their training, experience and expertise. Individual negotiations can be made based on these minimum rates.

  • If you’re self-employed, you do not have a contract of employment with an employer. You’re more likely to be contracted to provide services over a certain period of time for a fee and be in business in your own right.
  • You’ll also pay your own tax and National Insurance contributions.
  • You don't have employment rights as such if you're self-employed as you are your own boss and can therefore decide how much to charge for your work and how much holiday to give yourself.
  • You do have some legal protection.
  • You must not be discriminated against and you're entitled to a safe and healthy working environment on your client's premises.
  • Self-employed women who have recently left their jobs may be entitled to Maternity Allowance.

 

Live performance rates

Member benefits for live musicians

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes accident cover, health schemes, travel insurance and car insurance add-ons through the Musicians’ Union.

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

Find a Fair Play Venue

Peckham Levels

Venue hosting live gigs and club nights either in 450-standing capacity Gig Space or 150-standing capacity Auditorium.

London
Read more about Peckham Levels

The Shed

A community space with a cafe bar offering live music, open mic nights, comedy and networking events.

Leicester
Read more about The Shed

The Slaughtered Lamb

A contemporary pub venue with an entertainment space in the basement for live music, club nights, DJ’s and comedy.

London
Read more about The Slaughtered Lamb

The Tin Music and Arts

An artistic hub (with artist’s studio and Community Space) offering events across two neighbouring premises which books established and international acts, as well as local homegrown talent.

Coventry
Read more about The Tin Music and Arts

The Tolbooth

A city centre-based contemporary music and arts venue, with programmes featuring music from established performers of all genres, as well as upcoming artists and bands.

Stirling
Read more about The Tolbooth