Musicians across the UK join forces to encourage MPs to attend their events to keep the music alive

The Council of Music Makers, representing UK musicians, songwriters, music producers, featured artists and their managers, has responded to the recent debate about MPs accepting free tickets, saying “we need you at our events!”

Unlike other sectors where MPs and other decision makers are invited into workplaces without a ticket, many music maker events are ticketed. The Council of Music Makers has made it clear this isn’t about freebies for MPs and their families to see bands and artists they already love, this is about ensuring they have access to and understand the wide range of music the UK has to offer.

The Council of Music Makers issued the following statement in support of MPs accepting free tickets to music events:

“At a time when music makers face multiple challenges in their careers, from the public-subsidised arts sector to grassroots touring, we need MPs in Westminster and the devolved Parliaments to get involved by coming to a range of events. Sometimes this means accepting free tickets to events that they might not otherwise have booked for. It increases their experience of the diverse music industry on offer across the UK and we know our members want to see them take an interest. It also helps when we need to talk to them about issues affecting music makers.”

Naomi Pohl, General Secretary of the Musicians’ Union, commented “The creative industries have been identified as a growth area for the British economy but we need MPs to come out and see what we do first hand. Of course we want them to buy tickets to events, but there is a place for free tickets and invitations too. We want them to see diverse artists, genres and art forms, not just see artists they are fans of already. When Angela Raynor attended Glyndebourne, for example, that was a real boost for British orchestral musicians. I know because they all reached out to me to say so.”

Annabella Coldrick, Chief Executive at Music Managers Forum said “It’s really important that politicians support new British talent and gain first-hand insights into the diversity and creative brilliance of music in all its forms. This is especially critical given that UK music is now experiencing difficulty breaking internationally, grassroots touring is under immense pressure and many artists are struggling to make a fair return from streaming. We need MPs to come to shows and champion UK artists.”      Annabella Coldrick, Chief Executive, Music Managers Forum

David Martin, Chief Executive Officer at Featured Arts Collection said “The UK’s music industry is the jewel in the country’s crown, helping to establish us as a cultural powerhouse and driving enormous social and economic value. However, it is a complex ecosystem of music makers, audiences, and businesses—one that policymakers must deeply experience and understand to support its growth. Despite being the world’s second-largest exporter of music, the UK industry faces myriad challenges that require Government backing to overcome. Only with this support can we empower the next generation of artists and music makers to realise their full potential.”

Roberto Neri, Chief Executive Officer at the Ivors Academy said “Music creators and performers are the engine of the UK music industry, yet their stories and struggles often go unseen. That’s why it’s so important for MPs to attend music events across the country, particularly those highlighting emerging and diverse talent. First-hand experiences help policymakers grasp the real challenges we face – from fair pay and rights in the streaming era, to the impact of AI and the precarious state of grassroots venues and touring. Greater political engagement is vital if music is to remain a vibrant cultural and economic force for the UK.”

The Council of Music Makers comprises the Musicians’ Union, Featured Artists Coalition, the Ivors Academy, Music Producers Guild and Music Managers Forum.