PRS For Music Will Not Factor UK Grassroots Levy Into Licensing Calculations

PRS for Music, a major performance rights organization, has announced it will exclude the UK grassroots ticket levy from its licensing fee calculation. The levy adds £1 to tickets purchased for arena and stadium shows, which is then redirected towards the UK’s independent sector.

How it works:

• Money from the levy goes to two UK independent music organizations: LIVE Trust and Music Venues Trust.

• By excluding the levy from fee calculations, PRS is ensuring that money goes directly to the grassroots scene.

• This decision is part of PRS’s Livelihood campaign, which was designed to help artists understand how royalties work.

• PRS will also evaluate how it handles live tariffs to better support the broader live music industry.

What they said:

• Ian Murray MP, UK Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Arts: “The £1 on stadium and arena tickets is a fantastic initiative, and we welcome PRS for Music’s commitment to supporting the grassroots. This scheme is all about putting money back into the ecosystem of the sector, so it’s only right that every penny goes into supporting grassroots venues, festivals, artists, and promoters. However, to truly transform the sector, we need everyone on board. I am calling on the whole industry to adopt this contribution to protect the future of live music. Real cross-sector collaboration like this is exactly what the music industry needs - it creates opportunities for emerging talent.”

• Andrea Czapary Martin, CEO of PRS for Music: “Grassroots venues are where songs become livelihoods. We’re backing the LIVE Trust funding mechanic to ensure that every penny is reinvested in the ecosystem that benefits everyone, from promoters and venues to emerging artists and songwriters across the UK.”

• Kirsty McShannon, chair of LIVE Trust: “We’re extremely grateful to PRS for Music for agreeing to waive PRS fees on the £1 from every ticket that supports LIVE Trust. This is a meaningful step that will ensure more of that £1 reaches grassroots music.”