The challenges facing grassroots music venues in Scotland have never been greater – but those working behind the scenes are determined to save live music.
As a booker for one of Glasgow’s best-loved independent venues, Phoebe Inglis-Holmes has seen firsthand how rising costs, government policies and changing audience habits are making it harder than ever for emerging artists to tour.
“Over the last four years or so since Covid, we have seen a huge change in the way that people go out and spend their money,” she told Scotland Tonight.
“Even if artists are super keen to tour, whether that’s actually viable or not is more down to the public and how much the government is helping within that.”
Touring is a lifeline for musicians, with many relying on live shows as their primary source of income.
Phoebe added: “Artists are still unbelievably keen to get out and play all across the UK.
“In fact, it’s absolutely necessary for an artist to make money, as they’re not making it from streaming or any other revenue in this current age.
“So it’s actually more important that the public and the government support these artists than to focus on how the landscape has changed.”
But venues themselves are struggling to survive.
“The cost of living is affecting everyone, but for venues in particular, it’s been a huge challenge,” said Phoebe.
“We’ve seen our costs increase by 30%, and overhead charges continue to rise. We’re in a bit of a deficit right now, as are so many grassroots music venues.”
One of the biggest issues, she argues, is the lack of a sustainable financial model to support the sector.
“We don’t get to see bigger artists go on to great success unless they start off in small grassroots venues,” she explained.
“What would be incredible for venues like ours is if some of the bigger venues helped give back. We provide them with the artists who eventually go on to perform in their stadiums.”
A proposed ticket levy could be one solution.
Phoebe said: “One thing we’re really excited about is the introduction of a levy that would see large venues, like the Hydro, charge an extra £1 per ticket, with that money going back into grassroots venues. This would be life-changing for so many small venues – not just ours, but across Scotland.”
She believes the amount is small enough not to deter fans while making a real difference to independent spaces.
Phoebe said: “What’s £1 in comparison to a £90 ticket at a stadium? That small contribution could help keep venues alive and ensure artists can continue working in the industry they’ve dedicated their lives to.”
Beyond direct funding, Phoebe says wider policy changes are needed to level the playing field for grassroots venues.
“For example, the UK has one of the highest VAT rates on tickets – around 20%, compared to 5-7% in many European countries,” she said.
“That forces ticket prices higher, making it harder for people to afford gigs. If the government reduced this, we could lower ticket prices, making live music more accessible and helping grassroots venues survive.”
Local issues also play a role. “In Glasgow, a major problem we regularly face is staff struggling to get home at night due to the lack of public transport and the ongoing issues with taxis,” said Phoebe.
“If more funding went into late-night transport, it would ease the financial burden on small venues, which currently have to spend significant amounts just to ensure staff can get home safely.”
Meanwhile, policies like Glasgow’s Low Emission Zone (LEZ) are having an unintended impact on touring musicians.
“While our venue is just outside the city centre and isn’t as affected, venues in central areas – especially those around Buchanan Street and Sauchiehall Street – are really struggling,” said Phoebe.
“The LEZ charges push up their touring costs by £200-£300, either to hire a compliant vehicle or to pay the charge for a non-compliant one. This makes coming to Scotland unsustainable for many artists.”
The effect of these pressures extends beyond just music fans. “Live music is a huge part of our culture and economy,” Phoebe points out.
She said: “For every £10 spent on a gig ticket, an estimated £17 is spent in the surrounding area—on things like food, drinks, and accommodation. So, when a grassroots venue closes, it’s not just a loss for music – it has a wider economic impact.”
More importantly, it’s about the future of the industry itself. “Without grassroots venues, some of the biggest artists in the world wouldn’t have had a place to start,” said Phoebe.
“At our venue, we’ve had artists perform here who are now selling out places like the Barrowland Ballroom or the Hydro. Lucy Dacus, for example, played her first Glasgow gig at our venue.”
Phoebe believes it’s time for grassroots venues to be recognised for their role in Scotland’s cultural landscape.
“Governments, both local and national, should recognise live music venues as essential cultural assets – just as they do with theatres, museums, and other artistic institutions,” she said.
“It’s not just about nostalgia for the past; it’s about ensuring the future of music in Scotland and beyond.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The Scottish Budget brings forward measures to provide support for the hospitality sector.
This includes 40% relief – capped at £110,000 per business – for hospitality premises, as well as music venues with a capacity of up to 1,500 people, that are liable for the Basic Property Rate.
“Other benefits include the most generous small business rates relief in the UK.
“Around half of properties in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors will continue to be eligible for 100% Small Business Bonus Scheme relief.”
A spokeswoman for Glasgow City Council said: “Poor air quality is a serious risk to public health, exacerbating long-term health inequalities and the health conditions of thousands of Glaswegians.
“Our Low Emission Zone was introduced to address stubbornly high levels of air pollution in the city centre – and with Dundee, Aberdeen and Edinburgh implementing their own LEZs last year, Scotland’s cities have joined hundreds across Europe in taking this kind of action to improve air quality.
“You do not need a brand new or electric vehicle to drive into a Scottish LEZ, with the vast majority of the urban fleet already meeting the required emission standards. Diesel vehicles less than ten years old and petrol vehicles less than twenty years old are typically compliant.
“By continuing to reduce levels of harmful pollutants, we can create a more pleasant experience for everyone who spends time in our vibrant city centre, whilst also protecting public health.”
Watch the full report on Scotland Tonight at 10.40pm on Tuesday or catch up on the STV Player.
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