The UK live music fan review calls for reforms, urging the government to give audiences a stronger voice in shaping the future of the industry.
The UK government has released its first fan-led review of the country’s live and electronic music sectors.
This report highlights the need to give audiences a stronger role in shaping policies and decisions.
Those are the areas that have traditionally been handled by licensing bodies, local authorities, and industry players.
The review comes after nearly a year of consultation. During this period, more than 4,000 fans and stakeholders across the UK shared their insights.
The Culture, Media and Sport Committee led the project and compiled the findings into a detailed report.
This document outlines close to 50 recommendations aimed at improving sustainability across grassroots venues and the wider music ecosystem.
These proposals fall under seven key areas described as the “essentials of live”.
They are ticketing, safety, celebration, grassroots support, accessibility, transport, and audience voice.
One major proposal focuses on representation.
The report suggests creating a Music Fans Association to ensure audiences have a formal voice in the industry.
In addition, it calls for urgent action on ticket resales, pushing for laws that would ban selling tickets above face value.
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The Issues Need To Be Addressed
This issue has been widely debated, especially as inflated resale prices continue to affect fans.
Accessibility and safety also receive strong attention.
The review highlights ongoing challenges for people with disabilities and mobility issues, noting that many venues still fail to meet their needs.
It also points to practical improvements, such as providing free drinking water and better access to hearing protection at events.
Beyond the audience experience, the report reinforces the importance of the “agent of change” principle.
This policy shifts the responsibility onto property developers. It applies when they build near existing music venues.
They must take steps to manage potential noise issues. This includes planning and sound control from the start.
Through this approach, venues no longer carry the burden alone. In turn, it helps protect cultural spaces from the risk of closure.
Meanwhile, Save Our Scene has encouraged supporters to read and share the report.
The group is also urging political candidates to back these recommendations ahead of upcoming local elections.
Committee Chair Lord Brennan of Canton indicated that the review gathered clear feedback from fans across different genres, showing that many feel overlooked and overcharged.
He explained that the proposed Fans’ Charter offers a practical path forward, encouraging cooperation across the entire industry.
From ticket platforms and venues to artists, promoters, and local councils.
In addition, Tom Kiehl stressed the need for immediate government action.
He pointed out that industry groups have long pushed for stricter rules on ticket reselling and stronger planning protections for venues.
He also noted that upcoming legislation presents a key opportunity to implement these changes and support the future of live music in the UK.
