The Precarious State of Live Music’s Invisible Workforce
[This article is based a recent post made by the CEO of the Music Venues Trust, Mark Davyd]
The live music industry, often romanticized as “flexible,” “creative,” or “passionate,” is actually facing a “full structural collapse” due to the precarious nature of its workforce. This isn’t just about artists; it’s about the “invisible labour” of engineers, runners, merch sellers, door staff, bookers, tour managers, and venue crew who are essential but lack job security, pensions, or even timely payment. These individuals are the “infrastructure,” and without them, the entire system is at risk of falling apart, as reports from the UK, Europe, and Australia confirm a shrinking pool of talent and no clear pathways for new entrants.
Historically, there were clear career ladders with entry-level and mid-tier roles, allowing people to learn and grow. Now, it’s harder to get in and easier to fall out, leading to an overworked, shrinking workforce. The “ladder for artists” relies on “rungs” built by these essential people, but they’re leaving because “passion doesn’t pay council tax.” This isn’t a lifestyle choice; it’s a “broken labour market.”
The “Grassroots Pound” Problem: Where Your Money Really Goes
A major contributor to this crisis is the flawed economic model of grassroots live music, exemplified by the “grassroots pound.” When a fan pays £1 at a grassroots venue, very little of it actually supports live music directly. A significant portion is immediately eaten by VAT (16.6p in the UK, much higher than in most of Europe), followed by crippling rent increases (averaging 37% in two years) and business rates. Essential utilities like energy have tripled or quadrupled, further eroding the pound.
By the time fixed costs are covered, only about 37p remains, and no one has been paid. After artists take their fees—which often barely cover their own costs—the £1 is entirely gone, leaving nothing for security, insurance, staff, or promotion. This means grassroots live music operates at a permanent deficit, traditionally offset by bar sales. However, with changing drinking habits and the cost-of-living crisis, this gap is widening, leading to over 40% of grassroots venues making a loss last year. The system is designed to “bleed it dry,” forcing cuts to the essential workforce.
Pathways to a Sustainable Future
Despite the grim picture, the situation isn’t irreversible, and solutions are on the table. One key proposal is the Performing Arts Creative Skills Tax Relief (PACSTR), which would offer eligible grassroots venues up to 45% back on wages paid to creative, technical, or production staff. This isn’t a grant, but a sustained tax relief, similar to what’s already given to film, TV, theatre, and orchestras, creating a level playing field. PACSTR would enable venues to hire skilled staff, ensure safe shows, and retain vital talent while opening doors for newcomers.
However, PACSTR is just a start. A radical rethinking of the grassroots live music economic model is needed. Every pound from an audience member should primarily benefit the music ecosystem, not government taxes, offshore landlords, or utility companies. The entire cost structure must be examined and challenged to ensure every expense contributes to delivering live music. This isn’t charity; it’s about building the fundamental infrastructure that supports every artist, every tour, and the very existence of live music. Without investing in the people who make it happen, the industry faces a “Road to Nowhere.”
