There’s a £1 idea that could save small music venues. Is Live Nation holding it back?

<p>Artists including Coldplay and Katy Perry have got behind a plan to fund small venues from big gigs – but owners say that without Live Nation on board, it could fail</p><p>Grassroots venues are the bedrock of the country’s music industry, giving artists a place to hone their craft, and punters a place to see them perform up-close – possibly before a bigger, starrier career. But since the start of 2023, more than <a href="https://www.musicvenuetrust.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/MVT_2024-Annual-Report.pdf">150 of these venues</a> have permanently closed their doors – about 16% of the entire UK sector.</p><p>In this moment of crisis, a solution is on the table: a proposed £1 levy on tickets for all arena and stadium shows with more than 5,000 capacity could raise up to £25m annually for the grassroots venues facing closure. A poll of <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/678b7003c43f5e0a12f04fa8/t/680823b87052e5348e862ad6/1745363906325/MFV+x+CGA+EXEC+SUMMARY+APRIL+2025.pdf">about 8,000 music fans</a> found that 93% supported the initiative by the charity Music Venue Trust, and a spokesperson from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) says it “fully supports” the rollout.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/oct/09/1-ideasave-small-music-venues-live-nation">Continue reading...</a>