The government is under increasing pressure to implement a ban on the resale of concert tickets above their original face value. This recommendation has emerged from a parliamentary review focused on the live and electronic music sectors. The Culture, Media and Sport Committee, which commissioned the review, has called for this measure to be enacted “without delay.”
In addition to tackling ticket touting, the report suggests the formation of a Government and industry-backed Music Fan Association. This initiative would mirror existing structures that support football fans. The report also emphasizes the need for a comprehensive fans’ charter, containing 50 recommendations aimed at enhancing the live music industry.
At a launch event held at the Le Pub live music venue in Newport, south Wales, review chairman Lord Brennan stated: “Over the last year, we’ve given a voice to fans of all different music types and genres from across the country, and they’ve told us loud and clear that often they feel neglected and ripped off.”
He continued: “Sharp commercial practices and impersonal service are now all too prevalent in the music world and point to an industry that fails to treat its fans, the lifeblood of the sector, with respect. Our new fans’ charter sets out a practical and achievable way ahead that everyone, from ticketing platforms to venues, from artists to promoters, from managers to councils, can sign up to, to help secure the long-term future of live music.”
“From establishing a proper representative body to give fans more clout and ending the ticketing rip-off, to improving access for disabled gig goers and venue safety, it’s time for all involved in music to turn the volume dial up to 11 in favour of the fans.”
Among the recommendations in the charter is the requirement for the Government to ensure tiered ticket pricing is “clearly communicated in advance and applied transparently.” It also urges the industry to resist the introduction of dynamic surge pricing.
The report highlighted that fans had a negative perception of major online ticketing platforms. They felt these agencies did not treat them fairly, with ticket prices seen as too high and little action taken against bots and online ticket touts.
A survey conducted as part of the review found that changing ticket prices led to fans experiencing “heightened levels of stress, fear of missing out and pressure to make unaffordable decisions.”
The report further recommended that the Government insist on “clear, upfront information” from sellers regarding ticket refund policies. It also suggested introducing a mandatory levy on larger events to benefit grassroots venues, festivals, promoters, and upcoming artists.
Venues were advised to provide free earplugs and drinking water. Additionally, they should publish clear start and finish times for sets to help fans plan their journeys to and from concerts in advance. The review encouraged promoters and venues to explore the demand for daytime live music events.
The review called for venues to allocate a minimum of 2% of their total capacity to wheelchair accessible spaces. It also suggested that fans and venues establish a code of conduct for behaviour at gigs. The Government was urged to set up an annual, rotating live music roadshow.
Furthermore, the report recommended that the Government commission an annual music fans’ survey starting in 2027. This would provide ministers, industry stakeholders, and others with regular insights into the experiences of live and electronic music fans.
The review was one of the recommendations from the committee’s report on grassroots music venues. This report raised concerns from venue operators, touring artists, and independent promoters about the financial state of the grassroots music sector.
When the Government did not act on the recommendations of the report, the committee asked Lord Brennan to conduct an independent review. This review gathered the views of thousands of music fans through a national survey and nationwide engagement events.
