"This survey shows that heritage is alive and well with a flourishing music scene - an estimated 1.7 million gigs were staged in the past year alone in bars, clubs, restaurants and other venues whose main business isn't putting on live music." The following addition has also been made to notes to editors: "A total of 1,577 interviews were conducted among licensees in a representative cross section of pubs, inns, hotels, restaurants, small clubs, associations, student unions and church and community halls."
These amendments were made on 21 October 2005.
Almost half of the venues which took part in a major new survey on the state of the live music scene in England and Wales have put on live acts in the past twelve months, and a fifth regularly stage live acts.
- almost half (47 per cent) of pubs, clubs, student unions and restaurants have put on live acts at least once in the past year;
- a fifth (19 per cent) of the venues staged live music regularly – at least twice a month;
- more than half (55 per cent) of venues who put on music do it because customers demand it; but
- many potential venues have not thought about putting on live music despite the changes in the new licensing laws.
The survey, which interviewed licensees in around 1,600 small venues, will help inform the work of the Live Music Forum. The Forum, chaired by 80s chart topper Feargal Sharkey, brings together the music industry, Arts Council, local authorities, small venue owners and Government to look at the current and future live music scene.
DCMS Minister Richard Caborn said:
"From the Beatles to Blur we have a live music heritage to be proud of. This survey shows that heritage is alive and well with a flourishing music scene – an estimated 1.7 million gigs were staged in the past year alone in bars, clubs, restaurants and other venues whose main business isn't putting on live music.
"The new Licensing laws will create more opportunities for budding musicians, but the survey shows that there are many potential venues who have not thought about putting on live bands. We need to encourage them to do so and show them that the licensing changes will make staging live music easier so that they are ready to embrace the new law when it comes in next year."
The Forum is working with all those involved in live music to promote live music and the opportunities offered by the new and improved Licensing Act. They will also monitor and evaluate the Act's impact on live music.
top The Forum's chairman, Feargal Sharkey, said:
"We have one of the most vibrant music scenes in the world and live music is at the heart of it.
"I want to see more live music in this country, and with a major overhaul of licensing laws just around the corner, we have the best opportunity in a generation to achieve this. Our research indicates live music plays a phenomenal part in people's lives – 47 per cent of venues know how important it is.
"A third of the people we spoke to who do not currently put on live music said they probably would in the future. I want them, and anyone with the space to put on a band or a live act, to think carefully and remember the benefits in profits, to customers and to the next generation of performers."
Keith Ames, Communications Official of the Musician's Union, added:
"The survey confirms the importance of live music nationwide and the vital role it plays in generating work for British musicians, together with the creation of sales income for our leisure industry.
"We must, however, ensure that licensees, promoters and events organisers are fully informed as to the opportunities available under the new legislation and it appears there is a need for an informative, communications process which advises licensees as to the Act's requirements. We have designed our "Music to your Ears" initiative – aimed at existing and potential music venues - plus our Live Music Kit with this need specifically in mind. We believe the Kit, in particular, will prove a catalyst for the development of live music at grass roots level."
Notes to Editors
- The Live Music Forum was set up in January 2004. As well as working with partners across the live music world to ensure they make the most of the opportunities offered by the Act the Forum is also looking at a range of ways to promote live music and foster grass roots talent. At the end of its lifespan, the Forum will make recommendations to Government.
- The survey focused on those venues on which it was thought the new licensing arrangements may have the biggest impact, and whose core business (for most of them) is not staging live music. It did not cover venues whose core business is putting on bands such as the Brixton Academy.
- A total of 1,577 interviews were conducted among licensees in a representative cross section of pubs, inns, hotels, restaurants, small clubs, associations, student unions and church and community halls.
- The Licensing Act 2003 received Royal Assent on 10th July 2003. Its reforms will come into effect in full in late 2005. Further details can be found at: www.culture.gov.uk/alcohol_and_entertainment/licensing_act_2003.htm
- From 7 February people can apply to convert and vary existing licences or apply for new ones under the Act. Under the new system they should be able to apply to put on live music at no extra cost and using just one licence.
- The Licensing Act will end the out dated 'two in a bar' rule - which currently distorts opportunities for musicians to perform - and replace it with a single licence combining alcohol and public entertainment.