Music fans across the UK are being given an unprecedented opportunity to influence the future of live music, addressing issues such as ticket pricing, venue accessibility, and the sustainability of live performances.
A groundbreaking initiative, the Music Fans’ Voice survey, has been launched to gather insights directly from concertgoers. This 15-minute online survey aims to tackle pressing concerns within the live music industry, including escalating ticket prices, venue closures, and the increasing trend of artists cancelling shows.
The project is a collaborative effort commissioned by several regional authorities, including Greater Manchester Combined Authority, West Midlands Combined Authority, Cardiff City Council and Glasgow Music City, with backing from mayors Sadiq Khan and Andy Burnham.
Dr Lucy Bennett, from Cardiff University’s School of Journalism, Media and Culture, is part of the team analysing the survey data. She said: “The survey represents a major step towards amplifying the voices of music fans within the live music sector by highlighting the key issues that matter most to fans. The data will provide a robust, evidence-based foundation for decision-making.”
Dr Bennett also highlighted the survey’s comprehensive approach, saying: “What makes this survey truly groundbreaking is its cross-genre approach and national scale, encompassing fans from diverse musical backgrounds and locations across the UK.”
Singer-songwriter Kate Nash, known for her 2007 hit Foundations, has been actively promoting the survey. Drawing from her own experiences in the industry, Nash said: “One of the most powerful things in the modern world is data, and as boring and unsexy as taking a survey is, this is the kind of action that will lead to change.”
Nash elaborated on the challenges faced by artists and venues. “The music industry is built on some very unethical practices,” she said. “It’s really difficult for artists to go on tour, it’s really difficult for venues to stay open, it’s really expensive to promote your work and to go and play shows ethically and safely.”
She further expressed concern about the accessibility of music. “In my opinion, the music industry is saying that music isn’t for everyone, it’s just for the really privileged and the really rich,” she said.
The survey, now closed, aims to address these issues by providing fans with a platform to share their experiences and concerns. The insights gathered will inform decision-making processes in government, the music industry, and regional initiatives across the UK.
Dr Bennett said she hoped the survey would become an annual initiative, as that would help track changes over time and “better understand the shifting landscape of live music fandom”.
Cover photo: Hannah Clubley
