Music Fans’ Voice Survey Reveals Deep Support – and Serious Concerns – for UK Live Music Scene
A major new survey has revealed strong public support for live music in the UK, while also highlighting significant concerns around ticket pricing and the future sustainability of the sector.
The Music Fans’ Voice survey, conducted by CGA with NIQ, gathered responses from more than 8,000 live music fans across the UK between 3 February and 4 March 2025. The project was commissioned by local authorities in eight major cities, including Greater Manchester, London, Liverpool, the West Midlands, Cardiff, Tees Valley, Belfast, and Glasgow, with additional support from other regions including West Yorkshire, Brighton & Hove, and Southend.
The survey was launched following recommendations from the UK Parliament’s Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee for a fan-led review of the live and electronic music sectors.
It found overwhelming enthusiasm for live music among the public, with:
- Over 99% agreeing that live music events are an important part of UK culture.
- 95% believing that live music enhances the UK’s international reputation.
- 68% considering the UK to be a world leader in live music events.
However, concerns around the cost of attending events and ticketing practices were also widespread.
Almost all respondents (97%) said that resale of tickets at face value should be permitted, while 91% called for a ban on ticket reselling at inflated prices. The same proportion said they believed “dynamic pricing” — where ticket prices fluctuate based on demand — should also be outlawed.
Only 11% of fans who purchased dynamically priced tickets felt that the pricing system was properly explained to them at the time of purchase.
The survey also highlighted wider concerns about the future of live music venues:
- 84% of fans said supporting artists and live music was a key reason for attending shows.
- 71% cited support for local music scenes as a major factor.
- 94% said significant music venues and nightclubs should be granted protected status.
- 93% supported a proposal for a £1 levy on stadium and arena tickets to create a fund supporting grassroots music venues.
The findings suggest financial pressures are increasingly affecting attendance at live events. More than half of respondents cited cost-of-living pressures as a reason for attending fewer concerts, while 91% said lower ticket prices would encourage them to attend more shows.
In response to the findings, a spokesperson for the Greater Manchester Music Commission said: “The Greater Manchester Music Commission is delighted to see the Fan Voice Survey come to fruition. Music fans are the beating heart of the industry and should be valued and listened to.”
Singer-songwriter Kate Nash also welcomed the initiative, stating: “It’s amazing to have this feedback from music fans on this scale and in an official capacity. It’s clear that collectively we want and need to see changes. Music is important to culture and the people of the UK. Thousands of fans have spoken and now is the time to listen.”
The Music Fans’ Voice survey concludes that while the live music sector remains strong, action is needed to address affordability, ticketing practices, and venue sustainability to ensure the long-term future of the industry.
For more information, you can view the full results of this landmark survey here.
