In 2024, the Music Venue Trust (MVT) dealt with 200 emergency response cases, a 19% increase from the previous year. That’s nearly a quarter of their entire membership that reached out for urgent advice and guidance to prevent their venues from closing down. These statistics paint a pretty bleak picture; the UK music industry is facing a crisis. But as streaming becomes the norm for consumers and we increasingly move towards a mainly digital existence, The question is: do we even care enough to save these disappearing spaces?
Our music venues are vital for small artists’ careers. In March 2024, the Music Venue Trust posted this image on X (Formerly Twitter) with the caption: "Glastonbury... only without the artists who started their careers in Grassroots Music Venues”, leaving just 13 artists on the bill. A few days later, an updated count revealed that five of the remaining acts had also started in grassroots venues, leaving only eight artists. That’s 91.7% of the artists performing at one of the world’s biggest music festivals owing their careers to the existence of small, independent venues.
91.7%, yet our venues are still closing down.
This statistic emphasises the importance of grassroots venues as creative hubs for musicians. But their significance doesn’t end there. These venues are cultural hotspots that bring communities together, inspire creativity, and keep our towns and cities alive.
So, why are they closing?
Financial struggles account for 44.2% of closures, with rising rents and operating costs making it increasingly difficult for small venues to stay in business. These areas are often targeted by developers to convert into flats or commercial spaces, and the influx of new residents brings noise complaints that venues simply cannot afford to fight. Licensing issues and legal battles often force closures before solutions can even be explored.
The problem runs deeper than economics. Attending gigs has become a less popular activity for many, as digital streaming replaces the physical experience of standing in a crowd and experiencing a live performance. Festivals like Glastonbury are dominated by big-name acts, while the grassroots scene that nurtured those very artists at the start of their careers receives less attention and fewer resources. Add to that the lingering effects of COVID-19, which devastated live music venues worldwide, and it becomes clear why so many are struggling to keep their doors open.
The closure of grassroots venues doesn’t just rob emerging artists of a platform to perform and share their music. It takes away vital spaces for communities to connect. These venues are hubs of creativity and social interaction. They are spaces to share ideas, meet like-minded individuals, and build relationships. Losing them doesn’t just impact the music industry; it impacts the culture of entire neighbourhoods.
Music Venue Trust are fighting back, advocating for policy changes, providing financial support, and raising awareness about the value of grassroots venues. Their campaigns, such as #SaveOurVenues, have already helped many spaces stay open. However, it’s not enough to rely on organisations and campaigns alone; the public also has a role to play. Though we strongly encourage donating to support the cause, the most effective thing you can do to support your local grassroots music venue is to buy a gig ticket, go to a gig, and buy a few drinks when you’re there.
The question isn’t just whether we can save these venues, but whether we care enough to try. If we allow these spaces to disappear, we lose more than music. We lose the communities, the stories, and the energy that makes live music so special.
Once they’re gone, they’re gone for good.
The soul of the music industry depends on the survival of grassroots music venues. By working to keep them open, we’re fighting for creativity, culture, and connection. As artists and music lovers, we can’t afford to lose these spaces. So donate, attend gigs, and join the fight to keep our vibrant music scene alive.
Comments