The proposal to introduce a stadium ticket levy in Glasgow for major concerts at The Hydro and SEC is gaining traction, with the Greens leading the charge. The main aim of this levy is to generate revenue from fans attending big-name concerts at these council-owned venues to support grassroots music and emerging bands performing at smaller venues.
Councillors are being urged to support a pilot program in the city and to push for the Scottish Government to grant the council the authority to impose a levy on music concerts at other large venues like Hampden. This initiative could potentially raise hundreds of thousands of pounds annually to benefit smaller, upcoming acts in the music industry.
Recent concerts by the likes of Foo Fighters and P!nk at Hampden could have potentially contributed over £100,000 to this cause just this year alone. The closure of beloved grassroots venues in the city, such as The Shed, 13th Note, and Blue Arrow, has sparked concerns about the future of smaller music venues unless they receive the necessary support.
The Music Venues Trust has thrown its weight behind the stadium levy proposal, advocating for increased assistance for pub and club venues. In its Manifesto for Grassroots Music, it suggests implementing a £1 levy on arena and stadium tickets to bolster the music scene.
Greens councillor Christy Mearns emphasized the crucial role that smaller venues play in shaping Glasgow’s vibrant music culture and positioning the city as a leader in the UK music scene. She highlighted the closure of venues like The Shed and the 02 ABC, as well as the diminishing nightclub and venue presence in Glasgow and Scotland at large.
In addition to calling for local action, the Greens are also urging the UK and Scottish Governments to step in and address the issue of venue closures by reviewing VAT and non-domestic rates obligations. Glasgow already has an environmental levy on tickets for events held in the city’s parks, which helps maintain these spaces for future events.
By implementing a similar levy on concert tickets at major venues, Glasgow could potentially secure a sustainable source of funding to support emerging musical talent and preserve the city’s diverse music scene. It’s a proactive step towards safeguarding the future of music in Glasgow and ensuring that smaller venues continue to thrive amidst challenging times.
