The government is under mounting pressure to implement an immediate ban on the resale of concert and music gig tickets above their original face value. This urgent call stems from a comprehensive parliamentary review into the live and electronic music sectors, commissioned by the Culture, Media and Sport Committee.
Key Recommendations from the Review
Beyond tackling ticket touting, the report advocates for the establishment of a Government and industry-backed Music Fan Association. This body would mirror similar structures already in place for football supporters, aiming to give music fans a stronger collective voice.
The review also insists on a commitment to a detailed fans' charter, which outlines 50 specific recommendations designed to overhaul and improve the live music industry for audiences nationwide.
Voicing Fan Concerns
Speaking at the launch event held at Le Pub, a live music venue in Newport, south Wales, review chairman Lord Brennan highlighted the widespread discontent among music enthusiasts. "Over the last year we’ve given a voice to fans of all different music types and genres from across the country," he stated. "They’ve told us loud and clear that often they feel neglected and ripped off."
Lord Brennan criticised the current state of the industry, noting, "Sharp commercial practices and impersonal service are now all too prevalent in the music world. This points to an industry that fails to treat its fans, the lifeblood of the sector, with the respect they deserve."
Practical Solutions Proposed
The proposed fans' charter is presented as a practical roadmap for all stakeholders. "Our new fans’ charter sets out a practical and achievable way ahead," Lord Brennan explained. "Everyone, from ticketing platforms to venues, from artists to promoters, from managers to councils, can sign up to it. This will help secure the long-term future of live music."
Key measures include establishing a proper representative body to amplify fan influence and ending exploitative ticketing practices. The charter also focuses on improving access for disabled attendees and enhancing overall venue safety.
Survey Reveals Fan Distress
A national survey conducted as part of the review uncovered significant emotional and financial strain on fans. It found that fluctuating and often exorbitant ticket prices led to "heightened levels of stress, fear of missing out, and pressure to make unaffordable decisions."
The report was particularly critical of major online ticketing platforms, stating, "Fans across the review had a negative perception of these agencies. They felt that the big agencies did not treat fans fairly, that ticket prices were too high, and that little was being done to deal with bots and online ticket touts."
Additional Charter Recommendations
The charter includes a wide array of proposals aimed at creating a fairer and safer live music environment:
- The Government must ensure that tiered ticket pricing is "clearly communicated in advance and applied transparently."
- The industry should continue to "resist the introduction of dynamic surge pricing."
- Sellers must provide "clear, upfront information" on ticket refund policies.
- A mandatory levy on larger events should be introduced to support grassroots venues, festivals, promoters, and emerging artists.
- Venues should be required to offer free earplugs and drinking water to attendees.
- Clear start and finish times for performances must be published to aid travel planning.
- Promoters and venues should explore demand for daytime live music events.
- Venues should work towards allocating a minimum of 2% of their total capacity to wheelchair accessible spaces.
- A code of conduct for behaviour at gigs should be established collaboratively by fans and venues.
- The Government should commission an annual music fans’ survey starting in 2027 to provide ongoing insights for ministers and industry stakeholders.
- An annual, rotating live music roadshow should be established to engage communities nationwide.
Background and Call to Action
This independent review was initiated after the Government did not act on prior recommendations from the Culture, Media and Sport Committee's report on grassroots music venues. That earlier report had raised serious concerns from venue operators, touring artists, and independent promoters about the financial fragility of the grassroots music sector.
In response, the committee tasked Lord Brennan with conducting this thorough investigation. The review incorporated the views of thousands of music fans through extensive national surveys and a series of engagement events held across the country.
Lord Brennan concluded with a powerful call to action: "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."
