Tim Burgess speaks out as 400 venues axe commission on artists' merch
The Charlatans frontman is a vocal supporter of artists' campaign
Last updated 4th Aug 2022
A campaign aimed at stopping venues from taking a cut from artists’ merchandise sales at live shows is gaining traction, with more than 400 venues having signed up, the NME reports.
They range from some of the smallest, grassroots clubs in the UK through to 3,000-capacity halls and include iconic venues such as the Barbican Centre in London, Brudenell Social Club in Leeds and Clwb Ifor Bach in Cardiff.
Campaign group the Featured Artist Coalition (FAC) announced a new directory in January that would list venues that didn’t charge commission on merch sales.
A number of large arena-style venues and venue groups have not signed up however and the FAC says more needs to be done.
The Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess has been a vocal supporter of the campaign and had previously highlighted an instance when Nottingham Rock City waived its usual fees in May.
He told the NME: “Back in 1990 you could sell 100,000 copies of a single on vinyl, so merch was important but not half as much as it is now. Streaming means new bands don’t have record sales to keep them going.”
Burgess added that more music fans were also showing awareness of the situation through the campaign.
He said: “So many said that they bought merch as a way of supporting the band and thinking it helped with costs of being on the road. It was a wake-up call. It’s a start, and I’m glad that lots of venues are listening.”
FAC CEO David Martin said the group also recognised the challenges facing live music venues.
“Artists can’t afford to be boycotting venues, and we don’t want them to,” he told NME.
“We want to fight on this issue, but we’re not against venues. We’re not enemies. The whole sector needs to operate properly for it to be healthy. We need these venues – that’s why we’ve spent the last two years campaigning to save them. It’s not about having a row, it’s about fairness.”
He added: “That merchandise is really the difference between an artist being around in a year’s time, and them not. It’s the difference between being able to tour and not.”
The NME reported that the AEG group, The O2 and the Academy Group of venues were still not part of the directory.
Spokespeople for the O2 and AEG Europe said their groups were in communication with the FAC, while the Academy Group did not respond to an approach.
Gallery: Belfast's most iconic live music venues
Ulster Hall
Situated on Bedford Street, this iconic music venue has been delivering gigs and events since 1862. It is also where rock legends Led Zeppelin debuted perhaps the most famous song of all time, Stairway to Heaven.
Waterfront Hall
Opening its doors in 1997, it hosted historic gigs including U2's first show in in Belfast for 18 years, a free show for the youth called Yes. More recently, it has played host to big names such as One Direction and Neil Diamond.
Empire Music Hall
The venue tucked into the side of Botanic Avenue, opened in 1987. It is known for its weekly comedy nights and has welcomed big names in music such as local rockers Ash and REM's Peter Buck.
The King’s Hall
Built in 1933 and opened by the Duke of Gloucester in 1934, this was the go to venue for the big music acts back in the day with The Beatles and Bob Dylan playing here in the past. The main hall also hosted big boxing events with titans like Tyson Fury and Amir Khan featuring on bills there.
The SSE Arena
The biggest venue on our list with a capacity of 11,000, the arena opened in 2000 and became the entertainment hotspot in Belfast with a cinema, W5 and restaurants. Pop superstars like Beyonce, Rihanna and Little Mix have brought their tour shows to the venue. Fitted too with an Ice rink for our Ice hockey legends Belfast Giants.
Grand Opera House, Belfast
We've all probably seen panto queen May McFettridge do her thing in the opera house! The theatre has been hosting west end musicals, concerts, dance shows, and ballet since 1895. Having its fair share of big names too, none other than opera legend Pavarotti graced the stage in 1963.
Limelight
Are you a Limelight one or Limelight two sort of person? Either way, you've probably a few hazy memories of a night out here. The nightclub split into four, two dance floors (Limelight one and Limelight two), Katy's bar and The Rock Garden, a terrace on the top of the building. It has been a key fixture in Belfast's clubbing scene since the 80's. It also doubles as a gig spot and has hosted big bands like Oasis in the past.
Mandela Hall
A cult favourite, this 1,000-capacity gig hall sadly closed its doors in 2018. Part of Queens University, it was adored among students as somewhere to let their hair down and catch their favourite band. Over the years, it welcomed DJ Calvin Harris, as well as indie darlings, Radiohead.
Voodoo
Though only open in 2011, Voodoo is already a household name known for hosting a mix of alternative music, both locally, and acts from abroad. It also doubles as a restaurant, known for its deep south inspired grub.
Oh Yeah Music Centre
While being primarily a music charity, it has doubled as a space for gigs with local acts like former NI Music Prize winner Kit Phillipa. It was opened by accomplished journalist Stuart Baillie and Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody in 2007.
Black Box
This intimate venue in the Cathedral Quarter is the oldest on the list, the building was originally constructed in 1850 and became an arts venue in 2006 putting on various comedy nights. As well as having legendary musicians play sets including folk legend Andy Irvine.
Boucher Playing Fields
Mammoth crowds are a regular occurrence at this outdoor gig which has a capacity up to 80,000. It's had rock giants Foo Fighters causing a ruckus, as well as thousands swooning to Ed Sheeran who brought his Divide show there in 2018.
Ward Park
The 37-acre park in Bangor has operated as an open-air concert space in recent years, hosting numerous Tennants Vital events with international acts like rapper Eminem who played to thousands of 'stans' in 2011. Bangor-natives Snow Patrol though lay claim to the land by attracting thousands by returning for their 'Ward Park '19' show where U2's Bono even made an appearance.
Custom House Square
This outdoor concert experience is in the Cathedral Quarter area of Belfast and has had the best DJ's like Above and Beyond, pop stars like George Ezra, and is set to welcome legends like Tom Jones and Nile Rodgers this summer.
Ormeau Park
I'm sure you've been spotted singing your heart out here! Host to the wildly popular Belsonic concert series known for its summer gigs featuring acts like brit-pop legend Noel Gallagher, Grime star Stormzy, and rock icons The Killers. Steeped in history too as its Northern Ireland's oldest municipal park and was open to the public in 1871.