Public Servant Lifestyle

Arts Minister launches drive to ensure live music - and live venues - thrives in England and Wales.

The first ever survey on the state of live music was announced by Arts Minister Estelle Morris as part of a drive to encourage a flourishing live music scene in England and Wales.

The survey will kick start a new Live Music Forum - a body created to promote the performance of live music. Chaired by former chart topper - on his own in the early 1980's and with top Derry pop punk combo The Undertones before that - Mr. Feargal Sharkey. The Forum will bring together members of the music industry, the Arts Council, local authorities, small venue owners and Government.

Arts Minister Estelle Morris said: "A vibrant live music scene is a vital element of our cultural life. It gives grass roots musicians the opportunity to do what they love to do and gives us the opportunity to enjoy live performances while fostering future talent.

"We want to make sure the Licensing Act expands those opportunities. The Live Music Forum brings together a range of experience and expertise to help us achieve that."

The Forum will meet for the first time on the 3rd February and,within its two year life span, will look at a range of ways to promote live music. It will report back with a series of recommendations aimed at making sure live music thrives.

The Forum will look at what action needs to be taken. It is likely, for example, that following the survey the Forum will assess the availability of rehearsal or performance venues and explore ways to open up spaces that could be made available to musicians.

Forum

Both the survey and the Forum result from a commitment made by Ministers during the passage of the Licensing Act 2003 to make sure the new system it introduces delivers real benefits for grass root musicians by creating more live music venues.

The survey will be carried out in the first six months of 2004. It will ask venue owners and promoters about the kind of music they put on now and the audiences it attracts. It will identify what barriers currently prevent more live music being played and identify areas that have a thriving, or struggling, live music scene and identify why.

The survey will create a benchmark of live music activity in England and Wales that the Licensing Act's impact can be measured against, 12 months after it comes into effect in early 2005. Its findings will also inform the group's wider remit - to promote more live music in general.

The Forum will work with all those involved in live music to ensure they make the most of the opportunities offered by the Licensing Act. They will also monitor and evaluate the Act's impact on live music provision.

The new Licensing Act will end the outdated 'two in a bar' rule - which currently distorts opportunities for musicians to perform - and replace it with a single licence combining alcohol and public entertainment.

Feargal Sharkey said: "Most musicians will tell you there is nothing else like live performance, and they would be right.

"For performers and audiences alike, those few wonderful moments of direct, personal contact can provide a lifetime of memories. I am delighted to have been asked to play a part in this unique initiative, one which we hope will help develop, encourage and promote live music."

Musicians' Union

John Smith, General Secretary of the Musicians' Union, said: "The commitment to live music shown by the Minister is most welcome. I believe that the Live Music Forum will play a vital role in the
development of the live performance of music in the next couple of
years.

"The result of the research which the department is about to embark on will enable us to measure the success, or otherwise, of the new Licensing Act.

"The Musicians' Union looks forward to working with the DCMS in order to ensure that, not just our members, but the whole of society benefits from the thrill, joy and excitement of live music
performance."

More information available in Music