The Featured Artists Coalition and Musicians' Union have published an open letter to the government and the U.K.’s live music industry to call for support for artists and not just venues in the ongoing conversation about issues facing the grassroots touring sector.

The two orgs have renewed calls for a blanket £1 ticket levy to be applied to arena and stadium events to support grassroots live music, which would be accessible to venues, artists and promoters. The idea was first recommended in May by a Culture Committee report, which said it should be introduced, on a voluntary basis, by September 2024.

The letter reads, “In recent years, our members have been hit hard by disruption in the live music market. COVID-19, Brexit and the increased cost of US visas have presented a perfect storm of challenges. Additionally, domestic touring has become extremely challenging, as the cost of living crisis bites both in respect of audience affordability and devastating increases in costs. As made clear by the work of bodies such as Music Venue Trust, grassroots venues have faced a challenging economic environment. Our organizations recognized that challenge and support the measures and funds that have been implemented to ensure that venues are viable during an acute period of pressure. However, just supporting venues in itself will not save grassroots music."

Referencing the support offered to Music Venue Trust by artists such as Sam Fender and Coldplay, who’ve both pledged a portion of ticket revenues to the org, the letter continues, “While it is remarkable that some artists have voluntarily come forward to offer individual support, this burden should not be placed at the door of individual, British artists on an 'opt in' basis. [A] blanket approach will ensure a level playing field for U.K. artists and that the whole of the live sector shares the cost of investing in the future of live music in the U.K.”

The letter also raises concerns about the industry’s ability to enact a levy voluntarily, saying, “In its absence, donations made by arena-level artists won't necessarily lead to direct funding opportunities for artists performing at grassroots level. Therefore, we believe that the government should retain the option to intervene and implement a statutory levy.”

Artists and fans are being encouraged to show their support for the open letter by signing this petition.