Tom Grennan has revealed the importance of keeping the cost of tickets for live events as low as possible, admitting that gigs would come to a halt without fans buying tickets. The musician has made it his mission to keep tickets for his concerts as low as possible. In recent years, fans have paid hundreds of pounds for tickets at the top of arenas and stadiums, but Tom is not prepared to allow it.
Government Legislation on Ticket Resale
Last year, the Government introduced new rules making it illegal to resell tickets for live events at a price above the original ticket price, as part of Labour's election pledges. Resale platforms will also have a duty to monitor costs and enforce new legislation, with Housing Secretary Steve Reed saying it is "hugely damaging to individuals having to pay through the nose for tickets."
Tom's Commitment to Affordable Pricing
Just last year, Tom toured across the nation, and his tickets ranged from £44 to around £65, a considerable discount compared to other musicians'. In an exclusive interview, Tom admits that his tickets will remain as low as possible to ensure that all fans have access to live music, as well as sporting events. Tom, 30, said: "I've always made sure to keep my tickets as low as possible. I think it's so important for music venues and for fans, in everything – whether you're going to music or sports, whatever you're going to see, I think it's so important for tickets to be accessible. Without the fans, there would be no gigs, without the fans, there will be no sporting events. I think it's very important. There are a few artists at the moment who are really making sure that ticket prices are accessible. I know Soccer Aid are doing that."
Chart Success and Personal Fulfillment
Last year was a huge year for Tom, with his third studio album, Everywhere I Went, Led Me to Where I Didn't Want To Be, going straight in at the top of the charts. He joined the mega-band Oasis, as well as the likes of Robbie Williams and Adele, with three consecutive Number One records. But while Tom is arguably one of Britain's biggest stars, he is no longer chasing commercial success; instead, he is writing and releasing music that he cares about. "It was amazing," he said of the night he found out his latest record topped the charts. Tom added: "It was a big day, but I was just happy that people loved the record. I used to really, really care about getting awards and all that kind of stuff, but to be honest, I just want to make the best music I can do, and thankfully, it's still doing well, and people are connecting with it. The day was great."
Celebrating with a Curry
How does one celebrate such an achievement? A big party was out of the question for Tom. "I celebrated with a curry, that's how I celebrated, it was lovely," he explained.
Praise for Fellow Musicians
Tom went on to praise fellow musician Olivia Dean, who, like him, is releasing autobiographical songs, breaking down the barrier between artists and fans as they lay their hearts bare. "I can tell that at the moment," he said of more personal music, adding: "Especially with Olivia Dean, with how relatable she is and how she's let everybody in, it's amazing – she's smashed it. She deserves it. She's doing very well."
Fatherhood and Purpose
And there is no slowing down for Tom, who admits he starts to "panic" if he is not busy, questioning his "purpose." He said: "Now being a dad, my purpose is my daughter, of course, I still have that ambition and drive to try and push on with my career. I think when I am busy, my head's just in it; that is my time for myself. I get to about things I need to write about. That's my time for me. Most days are pretty good, man. So I can't complain."
Soccer Aid Return
This year, Tom will return to Soccer Aid for the sixth time, a call which he will always be excited about, having grown up as a football lover and training to become a pro when he was younger. "I feel like a bit of a veteran," he said, adding: "Very honoured to be asked. It's going to be a big one, it's 20 years, to be involved, knowing I watched as a kid and being here for six years, it's a pretty mad feeling." Each year, Tom prays that the event is marked in his calendar, explaining he is "very excited" when he signs the contract.
Training and Teammates
Being a keen fitness enthusiast, Tom admits that the training regime is not intense, but is instead enjoyable. "Everyone behind the scenes at Soccer Aid makes it so easy for players and staff," he said, adding: "It's the most enjoyable week. Mentally, I'm fine, physically, I'm feeling it – I need to get in the gym, get a PT or something, get back on the pitch and kick a ball for a bit to get that feeling – as they say, you never lose it." Tom joked that his mind is younger than his body. "I see things and think 'I can do that,' but then I'm like '16-year-old me could do that, but not now'," he laughed. Cole Palmer and Jude Bellingham would be his ideal teammates, but Tom acknowledged that there are some "serious ex-pros" taking part this year. These include Jermain Defoe, Jill Scott, Toni Duggan, Steph Houghton, and Joe Hart for the England squad, and Leonardo Bonucci, Edwin van der Sar, and Jen Beattie for the World XI team.
The Impact of Soccer Aid
Soccer Aid, Tom says, is a "unique" experience, allowing those taking part to have the "best week of your life." But it has a deeper meaning, he said: "We're all here for one reason, and that's to raise as much money as we possibly can for Soccer Aid. I know this year kids are going in for a tenner, adults for £20, and I think this is going to be an even bigger year than last year. Soccer Aid are ready, UNICEF are ready, we're ready, we're going to sell this place out. Hopefully, raise more money than last year, 20 years, anniversary, seeing the magnitude of what it is and has been, and what it will continue to do is amazing." Tom praised Soccer Aid, having grown up watching it and now seeing his friends and family come to the game to support it. "It's a beautiful thing when the nation comes together; it's a cool feeling." In a world where there is so much division, Tom praised Soccer Aid for bringing people together for that one day. "Everybody does come together and raises money, it's a happy time, and it's an important day in the calendar."
Soccer Aid for UNICEF takes place on Sunday 31st May at the London Stadium. Adult tickets start from £20 and juniors from £10.
