The vast majority of some 8,000 UK live music show attendees canvassed for the Music Fans Voice survey expressed overwhelming support for the industry but also called for dynamic pricing and nefarious secondary ticketing platforms to be banned.

While 97% of music fans said face value resale of tickets should be permitted, 91% of respondents called for legislation to ban ticket re-selling at a higher price, and the same percentage said dynamic pricing should also be outlawed. Only 11% of those who had purchased dynamically priced tickets believe the concept was adequately communicated to them at point of sale.

The Music Fans Voice survey, commissioned by local authorities in eight UK cities including Manchester, London and Liverpool, builds on the recommendation from the DCMS Select Committee for a fan-led review of live and electronic music.

Among the many key findings were that 93% of those surveyed agreed a £1 levy from every stadium or arena show should go into a fund that directly supports the grassroots music sector.

More broadly, 95% of respondents believe that live music events are important in relation to the UKs international reputation and 68% believe that the UK is the world leader in live music events.

Some 50% of respondents cited cost of living/financial constraints as the key reason for not attending as many shows as they would like, while 91% agreed that lower ticket prices would encourage them to attended more events.

The survey also made clear that music fans care deeply about protecting the live music ecosystem for the future. Respondents demonstrated overwhelming support for interventions that recognise the important role of live music in society. The findings include:

  • 84% of fans said they attended shows to support live music and artists.
  • 71% of respondents cited their support for their local music scene and local artists as a key reason for visiting venues.
  • 94% of respondents believe that significant music venues and nightclubs should have some form of protected status.

Featured Artist Coalition CEO David Martin said, “Clearly, many fans are feeling the financial pinch right now. It’s something we all need to be conscious of. But that makes it even more heartening that respondents put such an emphasis on supporting artists, whether through buying their merchandise and vinyl at shows or backing the concept of a ticket levy on arena and stadium events.

“The FAC hears that message loud and clear. It’s given us renewed vigour to crack on with our 100% Venues campaign, and to push harder for the blanket adoption of a ticket levy to support those most impacted by the cost of touring crisis in grassroots live music.”

Full survey results can be seen here.

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