Christopher BarrettAn independent fan-led review of live and electronic music has led to the creation of a Fans’ Charter, with recommendations including the establishment of a representative body, similar to that representing football supporters.
The findings of the review, chaired by Lord Brennan of Canton and set up by the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, include calls to establishment a government and industry-backed Music Fan Association that would give fans more representation in policy and decision making. It is just one of nearly 50 recommendations set out within the Fan-led Review of Live and Electronic Music published today (17 April) by the committee.
The committee said it set up the review with the aim of improving the sustainability of grassroots music and safeguarding the success of the wider UK music industry. It consisted of three engagement strands; a national survey that received 4,144 responses, roundtable events with fans across the UK, and ‘DIY engagement’ packs sent to fans or groups of fans who wished to hold their own engagement events and feed their findings back into the review.
Recommendations range from those for the Government to implement, such as introducing legislation to ban the resale of tickets above face value, through to practical suggestions aimed at improving the experiences of fans at venues, such as ensuring the availability of drinking water and ear plugs.
The recommendations fall under seven key principles – or ‘essentials of live’:
Celebration – embrace live music not just for money-making but as a public good.
Ticketing – treat fans with respect, providing transparency and ending rip off practices.
Grassroots – nurture grassroots and community live music for its own sake and as the incubator of future success.
Safety – prioritise protecting fans from harm of injury, crime, violence, harassment and discrimination at and around gigs.
Accessibility – always think access for all and act accordingly.
Transport – make live music a central part of transport policy and planning everywhere.
Voice – listen, promote and support the voice of music fans of every genre.
Announcing the review, Lord Brennan said, “Sharp commercial practices and impersonal service are now all too prevalent in the music world and point to an industry that fails to treat its fans, the lifeblood of the sector, with respect.
“Our new Fans’ Charter sets out a practical and achievable way ahead that everyone, from ticketing platforms to venues, from artists to promoters, from managers to councils, can sign up to, to help secure the long-term future of live music.
“From establishing a proper representative body to give fans more clout and ending the ticketing rip-off, to improving access for disabled gig goers and venue safety, it’s time for all involved in music to turn the volume dial up to 11 in favour of the fans.”
Responding to the results of the review, LIVE CEO Jon Collins said, “Live music is nothing without the millions of fans who enjoy performances at venues and festivals across the country every week, so it’s fantastic to hear their views reflected in this fan-led review. It’s especially gratifying to see support for grassroots funding initiatives like LIVE Trust which is already having real impact. The strong demand from fans for new laws to finally tackle ticket touts demonstrated in this review should encourage ministers to ensure legislation is introduced as a matter of urgency.”