Mumford & Sons tour the latest to back the LIVE Trust

In a further sign of momentum building behind the LIVE Trust, the new Mumford and Sons tour became the latest to incorporate a £1 contribution in support of the Trust’s work.  LIVE would like to thank the band and all those involved in putting this generous contribution together.  You can find out more about the LIVE Trust, including a simple primer for anyone interested in becoming a supporter here.  With Government and Parliament ready to review our progress on the Trust, it is vital that as many tours as possible come on board at the earliest opportunity.  We have great ambitions for the Trust to help deliver a more vibrant grassroots sector for the UK – meaning we can open up career opportunities and delight audiences and communities across the country.

LIVE calls on Government to act on Misogyny in Music

Building on LIVE’s recently launched ‘Statement of Commitment’ on tackling misogyny in music, LIVE’s Head of Partnerships, Gaby Cartwright, has written to the Minister for Women and Equalities to update on our work and call for Government action.  In her letter, Gaby notes that the live music industry is not only taking the issue of misogyny seriously but also working to create a safer and more inclusive space for all individuals, regardless of gender.  She hopes the government can recognise the significant strides already being made and urges them to action the recommendations of the Women and Equalities Committee while also offering support and encouragement for our industry’s ongoing initiatives.

Martyn’s Law: LIVE asks Government to act

Building on LIVE’s work to strengthen and improve the Government’s plans for Martyn’s Law, LIVE CEO, Jon Collins has written to the Home Office proposing that the department consider a number of targeted amendments designed to offer greater certainty to venues, festivals and events.  This increased certainty would be delivered through changes to the new inspectorate’s way of working to ensure opportunities for dialogue ahead of any enforcement and speedy access to an appeal if required.  

After a very positive recent meeting with the policy team, LIVE is looking to play a significant role in the drafting of relevant guidance to ensure the provisions of this law are brought in as smoothly as possible to align with current working practices.

LIVE Talks and The Musicians' Union presents: Menopause in Live Music in collaboration with Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace

Date: 1st April, 2025

Time: 12pm - 1pm UK Time

Location: Online, via Zoom

Sign up for free here

Session Information:

Menopause can have an effect on us all, whether someone is experiencing menopause directly or supporting a family member, friend or colleague. While some will sail through menopause, 3 in 4 experience symptoms and as many as 1 in 4 have serious symptoms.

In this educational and engaging session, we'll explore the facts around menopause, symptoms and treatment options followed by a panel session to discuss how menopause can affect people working in the live music sector.

This session will be run by Jo Lee-Morris, Head of Training from Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace, the leading provider of menopause support and education in the workplace.

Jo will be joined by panellists:

• Jon Collins, LIVE
• Silvia Montello, Voicebox
• Mandy Salem-Aubry, MSA Music Services
• Sumit Bothra, SB3 Management
• DJ Paulette, Artist & Radio Host

Thanks to our LIVE Talks Committed Partners: AEG, KMJ, Live Nation, SJM Concerts, Royal Albert Hall, The O2, See Tickets, Skiddle, OVO Hydro & Ecotricity 

Exciting plans for music in Liverpool

Off the back of their successful bid to have the Liverpool city region recognised as the first creative cluster for music (MusicFutures), organisations in Liverpool are gearing up to deliver a packed programme of initiatives in support of our sector.  Patel Jon Collins was part of the bid team and now sits on the MusicFutures executive board while Gaby Cartwright and LIVE Green Impact Consultant, Ross Patel, will be helping to shape the work programme and priorities.  In a related move, Jon has joined the LCR Music Board, providing another opportunity to shape policies and funding decisions in support of the wider live music sector.  

Celebrate Earth Day with Askonas Holt

As part of their plans to mark Earth Day, Jon Collins will be joining international arts company Askonas Holt for their Earth Day Summit at Somerset House on 22 April.  This gathering will bring together orchestras, presenters, festivals, policymakers and sustainability experts to explore how we can evolve international touring into a more sustainable practice.  Jon will be moderating two panel discussions on the day, looking to spark meaningful conversations and outline tangible steps towards a more sustainable future for touring.

The day will conclude with a special performance by Brazilian guitarist Plinio Fernandes followed by a drinks reception.  You can find more information and a registration form here.

Improved Touring Arrangements in Croatia

While the Government is preparing for its upcoming summit with the EU in May, wider efforts are ongoing in a bid to secure improved arrangements with individual member states.  LIVE was delighted to see that, as part of this work, the Croatian parliament passed amendments to the Aliens Act, removing the requirement for visa and work authorisation certificates for nationals of OECD member countries—including the UK—for stays of less than three months.  The new rules, confirmed by the publishing of the legislation late last week, cover all creators and performers across music, theatre, and the wider performing arts, as well as crew.