Creative Industries Minister Ian Murray has called on the music industry, particularly Live Nation, to voluntarily contribute to a £1 ticket levy for arena and stadium shows to support grassroots venues and artists. He warned that without wider participation by a June 30, 2026 deadline, the government may make it mandatory. The levy funds the LIVE Trust, which has already distributed £500,000.
Creative Industries Minister Ian Murray emphasized the urgency of broader industry support for the LIVE Trust's voluntary £1 ticket levy on stadium and arena shows. In a letter to NME, he stated that only 30 per cent of tickets for 2026 shows currently contribute, falling short of expectations. Murray urged Live Nation, a market leader, to 'step up to help the next generation of talent,' noting its potential to drive change, or risk government legislation by June 30, 2026. He attended Alex James’ Britpop Classical tour at the Royal Albert Hall, the first UK arena to join the scheme voluntarily, with LIVE Trust trustee Steve Lamacq present. The minister highlighted the grassroots sector's crisis, with 30 venues lost between July 2024 and July 2025, over half of remaining ones unprofitable, and 6,000 jobs gone. Tours have shortened from an average of 22 shows across 28 locations in 1994 to 11 shows in 12 locations now, leaving 175 'gig deserts' and 35 million people without local live music. Murray described smaller venues as 'the bedrock of our music industry,' essential for acts like Oasis and Coldplay. The LIVE Trust plans £5 million in distributions this year, including £125,000 via the new UKAT fund from artists such as Sam Fender, Harry Styles, Radiohead, Ed Sheeran and Foo Fighters. Music Venue Trust CEO Mark Davyd blamed Live Nation for the levy's slow uptake, praising supporters like SJM and AEG. Live Nation responded that it supports artists' choices, citing collaborations with Coldplay and Biffy Clyro, and promotes thousands of small-venue shows annually. The government backs industry-led efforts alongside £30 million in Music Growth Package funding and other reforms.