PRS to waive fees on LIVE Trust levy

PRS for Music said the £1 per ticket LIVE Trust contributions will not be included in its licence fee calculations.

The LIVE Trust, which made its first distribution of £500,000 last month to the grassroots live music sector, generates funds from a voluntary ticket levy of £1 per ticket sold for shows at venues with a capacity of more than 5,000.

As well as waiving the fees on the £1 donations, PRS director of commercial development Gavin Larkins said the royalty collection society is working to modernise its live tariffs, following feedback from across the sector.

LIVE Trust chair Kirsty McShannon said, “The voluntary contribution depends on collective action across the live music ecosystem. By listening to industry feedback and removing this layer of cost, PRS has taken a significant step towards making the initiative more workable in practice — helping to reduce barriers and reinforcing a shared commitment to the grassroots sector that underpins the entire industry.”

PRS said the move is part of its Livelihood campaign, which is aimed at supporting the live music ecosystem by educating artists around royalty distribution and encouraging collaboration across the industry.

Over the last year, major artists such as Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, Pulp, Diana Ross, Katy Perry and Radiohead have committed to the contribution, alongside venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and ticketing platform Tixel. Sam Fender’s 2024 arena tour raised more than £100,000 via the contribution, which has recently been distributed to 38 independent venues.

PRS for Music CEO Andrea Czapary said, “We’re backing the LIVE Trust funding mechanic to ensure that every penny is reinvested in the ecosystem that benefits everyone, from promoters and venues to emerging artists and songwriters across the UK. This announcement comes as we commit to a multi-year review of our live music tariffs. Through this review, all parts of this essential value chain, including customers, members and the industry can support streamlined, fair and future-proof licensing.”