Grassroots Music Venues Face Unprecedented Closures in 2023

In 2023, the UK's grassroots music venues have experienced what many industry experts are calling the most difficult year in over a decade. This troubling trend has witnessed an average of two beloved independent venues closing down each week, leading to a total of 125 venue shutdowns in the past year. These spaces, critical for the development of future musical stars, have been struggling to keep their doors open amidst various challenges.

The Music Venue Trust, a charitable organization dedicated to preserving the nation's live music venues, released an alarming report detailing the extent of these closures. The report highlights the plight of iconic spots like the Moles club in Bath, which has been a nurturing ground for bands and artists like Oasis, The Killers, and Ed Sheeran before they rose to stardom.

Despite the significant economic contribution they make, estimated at over £500m, and providing employment for nearly 30,000 individuals, grassroots music venues remain in dire need of funding and support. The Music Venue Trust has made it clear that without external assistance, the remaining venues are at risk of bankruptcy. The sector's struggles are juxtaposed against the record profits reported by the wealthier tiers of the music industry, which often overlook the breeding grounds of their top artists.

Music Venue Trust's CEO, Mark Davyd, underscored the urgency of the situation and the necessity of collective action to safeguard these venues. He advocates for a levy on the industry's highest earners to support grassroots venues. Ed Sheeran and other artists have shown support for the Trust's initiatives, including the 'Own Our Venues' scheme that helps ensure the longevity of these important cultural spaces.

Singers like Frank Turner have joined the conversation, emphasizing the invaluable role of independent music venues in nurturing new talent and sustaining a diverse array of artistic expression. He calls for greater appreciation and protection of these venues, which form the backbone of the UK's music culture and economy.

venues, closures, support