FREE NOW, The New Headline Sponsor Of The Mercury Prize, To Underwrite Gigs By Future Mercury Prize Hopefuls At Grassroots Music Venue In Association With Music Venue Trust

Public Service Broadcasting To Play Special “Hero” Show At Peckham Audio On August 23Rd 2022

Tickets go on sale Thursday 21 July at 10am from: TicketWeb

Music Venue Trust (MVT), the UK charity which represents hundreds of Grassroots Music Venues, has announced a new partnership with Mobility Super App, FREE NOW. The new headline sponsor of the Mercury Prize, FREE NOW is supporting Grassroots Music Venues in the UK by underwriting the costs of 120 shows by future Mercury Prize hopefuls in 60 Grassroots Music Venues.

As part of the initiative Public Service Broadcasting will play a show at Peckham Audio on August 23rd, the first of 3 “hero” shows that will see big artists return to small Grassroots Music Venues.

J. Wilgoose Esq, Public Service Broadcasting

Photo © Alex Lake

“I honestly don’t think Public Service Broadcasting would be a going concern without Grassroots Music Venues. Years before our first EP came out I was gigging around London and further afield as a solo act, learning what worked and – more often – what didn’t. If we’re going to continue to have such an extraordinarily successful musical and cultural scene here in the UK (not to mention profitable to the Exchequer), we have to ensure that these venues not only survive but thrive, giving the next generation of musicians and artists the platforms they need to hone their acts and learn their trade.”

To launch this new series of live music events, FREE NOW is also giving 50% off the first two rides (up to £8) when gig goers download the FREE NOW app.

Sara De-Velasco, Head of Marketing, FREE NOW

“We are excited to support grassroots venues through our partnership with the Music Venue Trust and as part of our commitment FREE NOW is proud to sponsor Public Service Broadcasting performing at Peckham Audio. After a challenging 2 years, we’re joining venues, artists and our amazing local music communities in celebrating the UK’s vibrant and creative music culture. We’re thrilled to be supporting these essential, magical places that give rise to the acts we’ll all fall in love with tomorrow; and connecting music enthusiasts of all backgrounds with their passion through fast, flexible and friction free mobility in cities across the UK.”

FREE NOW are the latest organisation to fund events in Grassroots Music Venues across the UK, highlighting their importance to culture across the country, boosting the recovery of local businesses after COVID related closures, and providing the opportunities for artists to return to touring.

Mark Davyd, CEO Music Venue Trust

“It’s great to be working with FREE NOW to be connecting people with their next favourite artist. Music Venue Trust is working hard with venues to identify acts which we know are the next Mercury Prize nominees and give people the chance to experience them early on in their careers in some outstanding venues before they move up to the biggest venues and festivals. It’s great to see this partnership with FREE NOW kick off with this very special show from a band like Public Service Broadcasting who really epitomise that journey.”

FREE NOW is the Mobility Super App operating in nine cities across the UK including Brighton, Edinburgh, London and Manchester. With only one app, users can flexibly book a full range of mobility services from Black Cabs to PHV to multi-mobility options. eScooters and eBikes is made available through app integrations with main operators active in the market including Dott, HumanForest and TIER.