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Home Latest News ELEVEN UK CITIES JOIN FORCES TO ANNOUNCE THE ‘MUSIC FANS VOICE’ SURVEY

ELEVEN UK CITIES JOIN FORCES TO ANNOUNCE THE ‘MUSIC FANS VOICE’ SURVEY

Comprehensive Review Gives Music Fans a Voice Within the Live Music Sector for the First Time

Support & enthusiasm for live music remains high but concerns expressed around ticketing policies, event cancellations, venue closures and the rising cost of living

An in-depth survey entitled ‘Music Fans Voice’ has provided a unique insight into the behaviours, perceptions, concerns, motivations and opinions of the UK’s live music concert goers.

This wide ranging initiative builds on recommendations from the UK Parliament’s Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee for a fan led review of live and electronic music, and was designed & implemented by CGA with NIQ.  It was commissioned by local authorities in 11 UK cities including Cardiff Council, Greater Manchester Combined Authority, The Mayor of London, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, West Midlands Combined Authority, Tees Valley Combined Authority, Belfast City Council and Glasgow Music City, with support from West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Brighton City Council and Southend City Council.

Using feedback from over 8000 respondents around the country collected between February 3rd and March 4th 2025, the survey offers a comprehensive picture of the UK live music industry from a fan’s perspective.

The data collected has revealed an enduring enthusiasm and support for live music, with those surveyed highlighting a positive view of the sector:

  • Over 99% of those surveyed agree that live music events are an important part of UK culture
  • 95% believe that they are important in relation to the UKs international reputation.
  • The majority interviewed (68%) felt that the UK is the world leader in live music events.

However, several areas of concern were also highlighted particularly around ticket resale, dynamic pricing and the secondary market, leading to a conclusion that this area of the live music industry needs reform:

  • 97% of music fans believe that face value resale of tickets should be permitted.
  • However, there was an overwhelming call for ticket re-selling at a higher price to be banned with 91% calling for legislation to end the practice.
  • The same percentage also believe that dynamic pricing should be outlawed.
  • Only 11% of those who had purchased dynamically priced tickets believe the concept was adequately communicated to them at point of sale.

The survey also made clear that music fans care deeply about protecting the live music ecosystem for the future. Respondents demonstrated overwhelming support for interventions that recognise the important role of live music in society:

  • 84% of fans saying they attended shows to support live music and artists
  • 71% of respondents cited their support for their local music scene and local artists as a key reason for visiting venues.
  • 94% of respondents believe that significant music venues and nightclubs should have some form of protected status.
  • 93% support the concept of the Live Trust, whereby £1 from every stadium or arena show over a 5000 capacity would go into a fund that directly supports the grassroots music sector.

Another worrying trend addressed was the decline in attendance of live music events, with over 50% of respondents citing cost of living/financial constraints as the key reason for not attending as many shows as they would like and 91% agreeing that lower ticket prices would encourage more attendance.

In summary, the Music Fans Voice survey concluded that the live music industry thrives on fan engagement and remains a vital and dynamic part of culture.

It found that fans are deeply invested in supporting live music, however rising financial pressures, dynamic pricing concerns and the closure of venues threaten long-term sustainability.

While music fans continue to attend events, it should be noted that many are becoming more selective due to affordability concerns, with flexible ticketing options and transparency around pricing emerging as crucial factors to address and maintain engagement.

Sam Duckworth, an artist who performs as Get Cape, Wear Cape, Fly said, “Music Fans are the lifeblood of our industry and deserve to be at the epicentre of conversations about its present and its future. Through the collaborative efforts of the major music cities, they have been given a data driven seat at the top table. Ensuring that fans across the UK feel heard, respected and that the direction of travel takes into account their vital role in making sure that live music continues to be at the forefront of British Culture.”