The True Cost of Touring in the UK: Why Live Music is at Risk
The expenses behind an average tour are mostly paid out of pocket by the artists. The gruelling travel and razor-thin margins mean that most bands hope merely to break even and gain a few new fans. Unfortunately, grimy, gruelling van tours and intimate club shows are becoming things of the past. Midsize cultural venues are closing, and this trend threatens the cultural fabric of cities. If places like London, which prides itself on being a “music city,” cannot support and maintain vibrant music ecosystems, they risk losing their cultural identities.
Touring in the UK can be a financial challenge for many bands, with costs ranging from travel and accommodation to equipment and production. Here’s a breakdown of some of these expenses:
Travel: Bands face distance fees of £13.23 per hour pro rata, fuel costs of 56p per mile, and additional charges for congestion, tolls, and parking. While some bands use their own transport, like a van, this option is only feasible for smaller bands with less equipment.
Accommodation: Artists often have to cover their own lodging expenses.
Equipment: Musicians may need to pay for their own gear, such as amps and cabs.
Production: Costs here include lighting and sound technicians, tour managers, session musicians, agents, managers, crew, insurance, and work visas.
Many artists find that the cost of touring is rising faster than their fees, leading some to turn down festival offers or reduce the number of live shows they perform. As one musician put it, “Bands don’t get in the tour van because they think they’re going to get rich—but lately most of us aren’t breaking even.”
How Music Fans Can Help
There are several ways that music fans can support their favourite artists and help ensure the survival of live music:
- Buy Presale Tickets: If your favourite artist is coming to town, purchase a presale ticket early. This signals promoters, venues, and booking agencies that the show should proceed as planned.
- Purchase Music Directly: Buy music directly from artists at shows, from their Bandcamp pages, or from their websites.
- Understand Cancellations: If an act cancels a show, don’t get upset or take it personally. There is often a lot more struggle behind their decision than you realize.
By taking these steps, fans can help sustain the live music scene and ensure that artists can continue to share their music with the world. Live music won’t survive unless the industry changes, but with the support of dedicated fans, there is hope for the future.
