UK Government Recommends Launching Music Fans Association

The UK government has made a formal recommendation to launch a Music Fans Association (MFA). This body would be supported by the government and the music industry, giving the general public greater representation in policy decisions.

Background:

• There is already a similar body in the UK dedicated to football (soccer).

• The UK’s Culture, Media and Sport Committee made the official recommendation for the MFA.

• For almost a year, the committee engaged with thousands of members of the general public regarding live music-related policies via an independent review, concluding that such a body would be beneficial for the country.

What’s next:

• According to Pollstar, the UK government is now calling on “all those with an interest in the sustainability of live and electronic music to commit to a new Fans’ Charter, which sets out nearly 50 recommendations under seven key principles – or ‘essentials of live’ – of celebration, ticketing, grassroots, safety, accessibility, transport, and voice.”

• Some of the aforementioned recommendations include legislation to ban inflated prices for resale tickets, as well as common-sense suggestions, such as ensuring that water and earplugs are available at events.

Why it matters:

• If this body is officially formed, it will be a major step to support live music in one of the world’s biggest markets.

• The UK, along with the rest of the world, is seeing record grassroots venue closures. This body could help combat that.

What they said:

• Jon Collins, CEO of UK trade body LIVE: “Live music is nothing without the millions of fans who enjoy performances at venues and festivals across the country every week, so it’s fantastic to hear their views reflected in this fan-led review. It’s especially gratifying to see support for grassroots funding initiatives like LIVE Trust, which is already having real impact. The strong demand from fans for new laws to finally tackle ticket touts demonstrated in this review should encourage Ministers to ensure legislation is introduced as a matter of urgency.”