Connecting the live music industry
PRS for Music Waives Fees on £1 LIVE Trust Contribution
February14
PRS for Music, the UK’s music rights management organisation representing songwriters, composers and music publishers, has confirmed that the voluntary £1 contribution per stadium and arena ticket supporting the LIVE Trust and Music Venue Trust (MVT) will not be included in its licence fee calculations.
The decision ensures that the full £1 from each participating ticket is directed towards grassroots music initiatives in the United Kingdom.
The announcement was made at the Night Time Economy Summit 2026 by Gavin Larkins, Director of Commercial Development at PRS for Music. Larkins also revealed that the organisation is undertaking a broader review of its live music tariffs following feedback from across the sector, as part of efforts to modernise and future-proof its UK licensing framework.
The £1 contribution scheme has received backing from Ian Murray, Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Arts, who welcomed PRS for Music’s commitment. He described the initiative as an important mechanism for reinvesting funds into grassroots venues, festivals, artists and promoters, and called for wider industry participation to strengthen the UK’s live music ecosystem.
Kirsty McShannon, Chair of LIVE Trust, said "We`re extremely grateful to PRS for Music for agreeing to waive PRS fees on the £1 from every ticket that supports LIVE Trust. This is a meaningful step that will ensure more of that £1 reaches grassroots music."
Andrea Czapary Martin, CEO of PRS for Music, stated that grassroots venues are central to the music value chain and that reinvesting the full contribution supports long-term growth across the sector. She confirmed that PRS will conduct a multi-year review of its live tariffs, with input from customers, members and industry stakeholders, aimed at ensuring licensing remains streamlined and fair.
The decision forms part of PRS for Music’s “Livelihood” campaign, which focuses on strengthening the live ecosystem, improving understanding of royalty distribution and encouraging collaboration across the UK industry.
Over the past year, major artists including Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, Pulp, Diana Ross, Katy Perry and Radiohead have supported the voluntary £1 contribution, alongside venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and ticketing platform Tixel.
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