Five years to the day since the referendum vote on Brexit, today sees the launch of a new artist-led music industry campaign, #LetTheMusicMove, pushing for a reduction in the costs and red tape faced by UK musicians and UK music businesses when full-scale live touring of Europe resumes.#LetTheMusicMove is urging the UK Government to act now to mitigate the slew of Brexit-related expenditure, restrictions and bureaucracy which is making EU touring unviable and threatens the future success of British music. More information can be found on the campaign website here, with artists being encouraged to sign up and show their support.
Currently, the UK is the second biggest exporter of music in the world, and Europe is our most important overseas market. In 2019, UK artists played almost four times as many shows across the EU than they did in North America. These gigs and festival appearances sustained an estimated 33,000 British jobs. Their successful return is absolutely vital, not only for the performers and musicians involved, but for an entire ecosystem of live music industry workers and businesses. However, despite the Prime Minister’s promises to 'fix' the multitude of problems resulting from the end to visa-free touring significant uncertainties and barriers remain.
For instance, under new post-Brexit rules: UK touring vehicles will be limited to only three stops in Europe before having to return home.
UK musicians will require an onerous goods passport (a 'carnet') in order to tour Europe, including a bond for their instruments and equipment.
Alongside the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, such additional costs and red tape will put future European touring in jeopardy - particularly for upcoming artists looking to build and expand their audiences. There is now a growing sense of urgency for the Government to act.
If you are in the UK and want to help, please write to your local MP.
Thank you.
h, Ian, Mark, Pete and Steve
You can read more about the campaign, case studies and declare your support at the Let The Music Move website: www.letthemusicmove.org.
If you wish to write to your MP their details can be found here.
If you wish to write to your MP their details can be found here.
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