MPs Announce Fan-Led Review of Live Music at SXSW London

Last week at SXSW London, DCMS Committee chair Dame Caroline Dinenage announced the launch of a fan-led review into live music.

The Committee’s Grassroots Music Venues report published in May 2024 discovered that around 50% of the 148 venue closures in 2023 were due to operational issues. Following these findings, the aim of the new review is to improve the sustainability of the grassroots sector to safeguard the success of the wider UK music industry. The opinions of venue operators, artists and promoters will be at the forefront of this evaluation. Dinenage emphasised that “it’s time to put the power in the hands of those who truly understand and love live and electronic music – the fans, artists, DJs and festival goers, as well as those who work behind the scenes…They deserve a voice in shaping a thriving grassroots music scene and building a sustainable talent pipeline that ensures the UK music industry remains one of the UK’s global success stories.”  

Chaired by Lord Brennon of Canton, the review will involve discussions of policies and ideas that will “ensure the best interest of the fans”. Furthermore, legislation changes will also be on the agenda. The Committee recognises the need to protect music venues in noise-related conflicts with new neighbouring developments. An update to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, returning to the Commons today (9 June), would give legal support to protect music venues from noise complaints caused by new nearby developments.

Dame Caroline Dinenage summed up the goals of the review: “It would help protect the live music ecosystem and give these vital cultural spaces a real chance to survive and thrive.”