£1 Levy for Grassroots Music Venues Faces Questions Over Live Nation’s Implementation
london – A new £1 levy on concert tickets, intended too safeguard the future of the UK’s struggling grassroots music venues, is facing scrutiny over its uptake by major promoters, particularly Live Nation. While artists like Fender and Diana Ross have voluntarily contributed, questions remain about whether Live Nation will systematically apply the levy to all its promoted concerts, perhaps hindering the scheme’s full impact.
The levy, a government-backed initiative, aims to provide a sustainable funding stream for venues vital to the advancement of emerging talent.These venues, often operating on razor-thin margins, are increasingly unable to take “creative risk” by booking lesser-known acts, according to Mike Grieve, managing director of Glasgow’s sub club. The funds generated will be administered by the Live Trust, a newly established charity, beginning in February 2026.
Initial funds are already being distributed through the Liveline Fund, a joint initiative by Music Venue Trust and Save Our Scene.this has allowed venues like Paper Dress Vintage in London to replace equipment and Sub Club to repair its dancefloor, with The White Hotel also receiving “vital” financial support.
However, concerns have been raised about the levy being passed on to fans already facing high ticket prices. Despite affirming its commitment to supporting new talent and championing emerging artists, Live Nation did not directly answer whether it would apply the £1 levy across all its major concerts, stating only that it was “proud to champion emerging artists and grassroots venues” and that it “supports the aims of the grassroots ticket levy.”
Industry figures, like Mark Davyd, are calling for greater accountability. davyd suggests ticketing companies should proactively ensure the levy is applied, and argues that government intervention may be necessary if Live Nation doesn’t lead by example, stating, ”if the market leader in an industry refuses to do what is now government policy, we should expect the government to take different action.” The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) declined to comment on this criticism.
