Music Fans Invited To Shape The Future Of Live Music In The UK

On 3rd February 2025, the first-ever Music Fans’ Voice survey will launch, giving gig-goers a direct say in shaping the future of live music in the UK. Music is nothing without the fans and this survey will give audiences a chance to have their say in the future of live music. This first of its kind survey is a chance for live music lovers to be heard on subjects ranging from dynamic ticketing to how they decide which shows to go to.

The Music Fans’ Voice survey was commissioned by Greater Manchester Combined Authority, The Mayor of London, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, West Midlands Combined Authority, Tees Valley Combined Authority, Cardiff City Council, Belfast City Council and Glasgow City of Music. This survey builds on the recommendation from the CMS select committee for a Fan Led Review of live and electronic music, as happened in Football. This is a chance for music fans to highlight which areas matter most to them. Findings will give fans a data driven seat at the table. Helping to inform decision making in Government, the music industry and city regions around the UK on how to support all areas of live music, improve the audience experience and protect our live music spaces.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester

“Music has always been central to Greater Manchester, whether through culture, identity or its huge economic contribution. However, music is nothing without its fans. We want to hear from music fans across Greater Manchester, and the country to properly understand their views and thoughts about the music sector in the UK. I’m thrilled to be partnering with other Mayoral Combined Authorities, Local Authorities and the Music Industry to deliver this independent, fan-led survey of the music sector.”

Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London

“Our live music industry is world renowned, with an incredible diversity of artists performing in venues of all sizes every night of the year. The industry plays a key role in driving our economy, but we know that Grassroots Venues continue to face significant challenges. I’m committed to working in partnership to support these vital venues and the first ever UK-wide Music Fan survey is a fantastic opportunity for those who love live music to have their voices heard – helping us to continue building a better London for everyone.”

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region

“The Liverpool City Region has always been at the heart of live music in the UK, and I’m proud to support this initiative, which will give music fans – like myself – a real voice in shaping the future of our vibrant music scene.

I want to really encourage gig-goers to share their views on the issues that matter most to them, from ticketing to access to live music venues. The feedback from this will be invaluable as we work together across city regions to create an environment where live music can continue to thrive for generations to come.”

Katie Duffy, Senior Arts and Music Programmes Manager at Glasgow Life and Glasgow’s UNESCO City of Music lead

“As the UK’s first UNESCO City of Music, Glasgow offers one of the most immersive live music experiences in the world. From our legendary Grassroots Venues to our outstanding Ovo Hydro arena, we enjoy a strong reputation for emerging talent and are recognised by the world’s biggest artists as a must-play destination thanks to our passionate fans.

Live music is part of our city’s identity, bringing communities together, supporting jobs and driving our visitor and night-time economies. Music and tourism go hand-in-hand, and visitors regularly cite our concerts and festivals as a reason for coming to Glasgow.

We also know how vital our audiences are in keeping this ecosystem thriving, which is why we fully support the Music Fans’ Voice survey. This important first-of-its-kind initiative will ensure gig-goers in Glasgow and across the UK have their voices heard on the issues that matter most to them – from ticketing and affordability to accessibility and venue sustainability. We encourage the UK’s music lovers to take part and help shape the future of live music, ensuring it remains vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable in our city and beyond for generations to come.”