Live music renaissance underway

A live music renaissance is under way across the UK, led by bands like The Darkness, new official figures show today.

While fans are more likely to catch the glam rockers at a stadium, rising numbers of small venues are also putting on gigs.

Almost half, 47%, of pubs, clubs, student unions and restaurants featured at least one live act in the past year.

A fifth, 19%, of small venues staged gigs at least twice a month, the Live Music Forum poll found.

In all, an estimated 1.7 million gigs were staged across England and Wales.

Keith Ames, of the Musician’s Union, said the findings reflect the growing interest in live acts.

People are increasingly likely to catch a band rather than going to a club or watching a comedy act, he said.

“They are appreciating the value of live music, whether it is Robbie Williams at Glastonbury or a tribute band down the Dog and Duck,” he said.

“A few years ago they might have gone to Creamfields or Homelands (dance events) or super clubs, now they are more likely to go to a festival, and if that works they are likely to go to see a band again or watch a live act down the pub.

“It is cyclical. A few years ago pubs were all putting on comedy. Now increasing numbers are putting on bands.”

Mr Ames’ view is proved by the survey, the first such study commissioned by the British Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

It will allow the Live Music Forum, which brings together people from the music industry, licensing authorities and small venue owners, to assess the impact of new licensing laws.

From November, licensees will be able to apply for a joint alcohol and live music license.

The full Act, including 24-hour drinks licensing, is due to come into effect next year.

A third, 33%, of those currently staging live acts believe the changes will have a positive impact on their industry, but more, 45%, say it will make no difference.

Just one in six of those who do not have a live music license say the new laws will encourage them to hold gigs.

Despite the findings, eighties singer and Forum chairman Fergal Sharkey said the changes should mean even greater expansion of the country’s “vibrant music scene”.

“A third of the people we spoke to who do not currently put on live music said they probably would in the future,” he said.

“I want them, and anyone with the space to put on band or a live act, to think carefully and remember the benefits in profits, to customers and to the next generation of performers.”

Minister Richard Caborn added: “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.”

Mori questioned 1,577 licensees between June 18 and July 23.