Ed Sheeran backs campaign to save grassroots music venues around UK

As many as 125 live music venues have shut their doors for good in the last 12 months, as the cost-of-living crisis means people are going to see live music less frequently

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Music

Martin Winter

13:13, 17 OCT 2023

Two-thirds of Brits are most likely to spend their money on live music gigs or concerts (Image: SWNS)

Global superstar Ed Sheeran has backed a new campaign to help secure the future of live music around the UK – as grassroots music venues are increasingly closing down amid the challenging economic crisis.

The 32-year-old “Shape of You” and “Thinking Out Loud” hitmaker started his own career busking and playing in these small venues around London and his hometown of Framlingham, Suffolk.

And now, he is highlighting what a “vital part” of the live music world these spaces are – in support of the “Ride for Music” campaign from mobility super app, FREENOW, which is raising money to support Music Venue Trust.

In its latest report, the charity revealed that as many as 125 grassroots venues have closed down permanently around the UK in the last 12 months, with 16% of all these venues predicted to have shut their doors for good by the end of 2023.

But the “Ride for Music” campaign is donating £1 per ride to Music Venue Trust, with passengers needing to simply “opt in” to ensure this donation is made, at no extra cost.

Ed Sheeran said: “Like so many musicians, I started out playing in grassroots music venues. They are such a vital part of the music ecosystem. Without them, I definitely would not have had the chance to hone my craft and become the artist I am today.

“I applaud the Ride for Music campaign and hope it raises loads of money for the Music Venue Trust, who work tirelessly to both protect and promote these wonderful spaces.”

But grassroots music venues around the UK are increasingly closing their doors (Image: FREENOW)

And FREENOW also commissioned a study of 2,000 adults, which found that 63% said that music gigs or concerts are the live events they are most likely to choose to spend their money on.

This was followed by sporting events, and comedy or stand-up shows – with 14% opting to go and see a theatre show.

Eight in ten said the music scene is an important factor for living in any city – highlighting the significance that live shows have on city dwellers. Meanwhile, as many as 88% said live music experiences positively impact their mental health.

And 43% would sack off a night in the pub with pals in favour of a gig – while one in ten would even miss a friend’s wedding.

However, the study also found that 68% of those surveyed have been hit by the cost-of-living crisis, impacting the number of events they’ve attended so far this year – which is part of the reason grassroots music venues are struggling to remain open. But 48% were completely unaware that these venues are closing down.

Michelle de Maat, for FREENOW UK, which is committing to a minimum donation of £200,000, said: “Music has such a positive impact on people’s lives and on their mental wellbeing – so supporting live music and preserving venues is key to making city life more vibrant for all.

Ed Sheeran is supporting a campaign to help protect smaller live music venues, like the ones where he started his own career (Image: SWNS)

“By contributing to the resilience of these vital spaces during such challenging times, we aim to ensure that the stages remain lit, and artists have a place to showcase their talent.

“Ultimately, this supports our users, drivers, and all those who rely on these exceptional venues and a thriving nightlife throughout the country.”

It also emerged 84% enjoy discovering new music through the gigs they go to, and almost two-thirds of respondents prefer a feeling of intimacy in the shows they attend, preferring to watch acts in smaller venues – compared to just one in four (24%), who would rather see a well-known performer in a bigger venue.

The study also revealed that 62% have booked tickets to see a show off-the-cuff, and 80% like the idea of attending an impromptu gig in the heart of a city. But 48% struggle to act spontaneously, potentially missing out on a number of live music opportunities.

And the research, conducted via OnePoll, found the typical concert buff has been to nearly four gigs this year, with three more planned for the remainder of 2023.

Mark Davyd, founder and CEO of Music Venue Trust, added: “FREENOW’s Ride for Music initiative gives every music fan in the UK an opportunity to play a role in directly supporting grassroots music venues.

“People can make a genuine difference in helping to prevent venue closures, support artists, crew, and staff – becoming part of the solution, and helping the whole music and night-time economy.”

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