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London's Music Rescue: A Blueprint for Sydney?
15 Nov
Summary
- A £1 levy on tickets over 5,000 capacity has raised millions for UK music.
- This funding supports artists, venues, promoters, and festivals at grassroots levels.
- Sydney's live music scene faces challenges from lockout laws and rising costs.
The live music industry in London has seen a significant revival, offering a potential model for Sydney. Jon Collins, chief executive of the UK's Live Music Industry Venues and Entertainment, highlights how a crisis point in the UK was addressed by a coalition of organizations.
Facing the struggle of middle and grassroots-level artists and venues, a solution was devised following a parliamentary inquiry. A £1 levy on tickets for concerts with capacities over 5,000 patrons was introduced in 2025. This levy, placed in a trust, has since raised millions of pounds.
This trust has supported various programs, including easing touring costs, assisting venues with energy efficiency, and boosting small festivals. It also aids communities in developing event staging and promotion skills. The initiative has seen widespread artist participation, with over 130 tours now carrying the levy.
This UK success story is gaining attention in New South Wales, where a State of Live Music inquiry has tabled recommendations. A ticket levy is considered the frontrunner among 37 suggestions to address issues like rising costs and limited artist development. The Australian Music Venue Foundation proposed a similar $1 levy, estimating significant annual revenue for major Sydney venues.
