Culture War

The government remains in a state of inertia, despite a 31% increase in venues shutting for good and a proposed 120% jump in US visa fees for international artists.

Sheffield's annual electronic music festival falls victim to funding and production cost issues – but organisers say it will return in 2024.

The Music Venues Trust's Own Our Venues campaign confirmed first phase purchases of gig spaces around the UK last month – a positive step for a beleaguered and battered industry.

Whilst Brexit-based visa restrictions currently make EU touring financially unviable for many up-and-coming bands, planned US visa increases now threaten access to the American live music circuit.

Sky rocketing costs and rising inflation are resulting in poor ticket sales, cancelled tours and pulled gigs. Now Then explains why.

Recent industry representations to the House of Lords have warned that touring Europe has become unfeasible for UK musicians.

Optimism and opportunity for UK bands in Europe post-Covid continues to be thwarted by the on-going shadow of Brexit touring restrictions. Two years on, and the UK government continues to do nothing.

"I will continue to push for legislative solutions to make sure that music makers in the UK receive a fairer share of streaming revenues,” says MP Kevin Brennan.

Negotiations have removed the need for additional visas, but unviable restrictions for British artists touring Europe are still in place.

Recently announced visa rules in Spain mean emerging artists can no longer afford to play there. Now Then explains why.