Live music industry news

NTIA says election manifestos offer only “vague promises” as 32 night-time businesses close every week

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NTIA • 2 min read

NTIA says election manifestos offer only “vague promises” as 32 night-time businesses close every week

The Night Time Industries Association has criticised all the major political parties in the UK for failing to commit to any practical solutions in their respective election manifestos that would address the issues currently faced by the night-time economy, a key employer of younger voters…

Chris Cooke • 18 Jun 2024

Madonna accuses litigious fans of “harassment”

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Madonna • 2 min read

Madonna accuses litigious fans of “harassment”

Last week lawyers working for two fans who sued Madonna over the late start time of one of her shows told the court a settlement had been reached with the musician and her promoter Live Nation. But, says a lawyer working for Madonna and Live Nation, that’s just not true…

Chris Cooke • 11 Jun 2024

Music Venue Trust seeks to gain political momentum with Manifesto For Grassroots Music

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Music Venue Trust • 2 min read

Music Venue Trust seeks to gain political momentum with Manifesto For Grassroots Music

The Music Venue Trust is sending a manifesto to everyone standing in the UK General Election. The trade group is keen to maintain momentum following the election on things like introducing a ticket levy on large-scale shows to support the grassroots community, which was backed by MPs last month…

Chris Cooke • 11 Jun 2024

The COVID trend of late-in-the-day ticket purchases has continued, says Eventbrite

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Eventbrite • 2 min read

The COVID trend of late-in-the-day ticket purchases has continued, says Eventbrite

Eventbrite last week shared some market insights based on the sale of tickets to US music events on its platform in the first four months of this year. Fans are still buying tickets later than they used to - a trend that began during the pandemic - while more promoters are offering VIP packages…

Chris Cooke • 10 Jun 2024

Critics say Halifax venue Piece Hall’s early entry cut off will harm local economy

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Live industry news including ticketing, venues, festivals and more • 2 min read

Critics say Halifax venue Piece Hall’s early entry cut off will harm local economy

Piece Hall in Halifax kicked off a series of outdoor shows last week, but critics say a new policy denying entry after 8pm is damaging to the local economy. The venue says the move is down to new security measures and that the gigs will provide “a multi-million pound boost” to nearby businesses…

Andy Malt • 10 Jun 2024

A long way to go on carbon emission reductions say Coldplay as they beat their own target

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Coldplay • 3 min read

A long way to go on carbon emission reductions say Coldplay as they beat their own target

As Coldplay’s Music Of The Spheres Tour continues, the band have published stats relating to their efforts to cut carbon emissions. They have now met their target of cutting emissions compared to their last tour by at least 50%, but say “we’re a long way from where we need to be on this”…

Chris Cooke • 04 Jun 2024

Madonna show was too late, too sexy, too hot alleges whiney concert-goer

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Madonna • 4 min read

Madonna show was too late, too sexy, too hot alleges whiney concert-goer

Madonna has been sued yet again in relation to her poor time-keeping when it comes to her arrival on stage. This latest lawsuit has been filed by a fan who also complains about being “forced to watch topless women on stage simulating sex acts” and being so hot that they became “physically ill”…

Sam Taylor • 31 May 2024

Government confirms it has issued drug-testing licences to “some of the leading festivals in the UK”

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Live industry news including ticketing, venues, festivals and more • 2 min read

Government confirms it has issued drug-testing licences to “some of the leading festivals in the UK”

Drug testing at festivals will be more widely available again this summer, as the UK government issues more licences. Services to check illegal substances were reduced last year, after the Home Office insisted licences were required - something festival organisers said had never been the case before…

Andy Malt • 30 May 2024

Campaigners respond to “astounding” report on the “sinister” lobbying plans of ticket touts

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Secondary Ticketing • 3 min read

Campaigners respond to “astounding” report on the “sinister” lobbying plans of ticket touts

A group of ticket touts recently met in London to plot a campaign against the Labour Party’s plan to put a 10% price cap on the resale of tickets, with the support of a US lobbying group. Anti-touting campaigners in the UK say those efforts could backfire and aid their bid to get the cap into law…

Chris Cooke • 29 May 2024

Live Nation faces class action that could involve millions of ticket buyers

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Live Nation • 3 min read

Live Nation faces class action that could involve millions of ticket buyers

Having been sued by the US government over alleged anticompetitive conduct, Live Nation is also facing a class action that seeks to represent millions of ticket buyers. The new lawsuit also claims Live Nation abuses its market dominance, though the impact on secondary ticketing is a particular focus…

Chris Cooke • 28 May 2024

Culture select committee urges the next Parliament to continue its work on streaming and grassroots venues

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CMS Select Committee • 3 min read

Culture select committee urges the next Parliament to continue its work on streaming and grassroots venues

With a UK General Election now set for July, Parliament will be officially dissolved on Thursday. Ahead of that, the culture select committee Chair has written an open letter calling on future MPs and the next government to build on its recent work around music streaming and grassroots touring…

Chris Cooke • 28 May 2024

The Leadmill team claim legal win following adjournment of eviction case

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The Leadmill • 3 min read

The Leadmill team claim legal win following adjournment of eviction case

Sheffield venue The Leadmill yesterday declared on social media that it has “won its first battle in court”, after eviction proceedings being pursued by landlord The Electric Group in a Leeds court this week were adjourned. However, its thought the case could be back before a judge later this year…

Chris Cooke • 24 May 2024