The “status quo” of post-Brexit touring is actively damaging the UK’s live music sector, and the crisis is getting worse ahead of the 2025 summer season.
Data released this morning by UK Music confirms that 32% of British music creators are now “significantly affected” by EU touring restrictions. This figure has risen for the third consecutive year.
While the headline figures show the industry contributed a record £8 billion to the economy in 2024, leaders warn these numbers hide a worrying trend. Growth has halved since the post-pandemic boom, and the barriers to travel are becoming insurmountable for many acts.
Of the creators affected by Brexit restrictions, a staggering 95% reported a decrease in earnings this year. This is up from 87% in 2023, painting a bleak picture for upcoming tours.
- The “Missing” Headliners: 78% of artists reported receiving fewer invitations to perform in the EU.
- The Cost Barrier: 64% of creators cited visas and work permits as their primary adverse cost.
- The Breaking Point: For 44% of surveyed artists, touring the EU is simply “no longer an option”.
For the average festival-goer, these statistics explain a frustrating trend: the lack of continental European acts on UK stages.
The bureaucratic “red tape” works both ways. Just as UK artists face complex rules, European artists face similar friction entering the UK. This has forced promoters to adopt “domestic-heavy” strategies, prioritizing British and Irish acts to avoid the logistical gamble of flying in international talent.
Tom Kiehl, UK Music’s Chief Executive, issued a stark warning alongside the report. He stated that the government “needs to be judged” on its progress in unlocking EU touring.
“The status quo on these two big issues [AI and Brexit] is currently tilted against music’s interests,” Kiehl said. He noted that without urgent intervention, the sector’s world-leading status is at risk.
“Competition is intensifying as other nations seek to grow their own cultural exports… In this fiercely competitive environment, it is more vital than ever that we support British creativity.”
The report identifies specific technical barriers that are strangling the “micro-businesses” that make up the touring sector. Beyond visa costs, the “Carnet” system—essentially a passport for goods like guitars—has seen an 8% spike in complaints from artists this year.
For stadium acts like Liam Gallagher, these costs are just overheads. For the emerging bands that populate festival undercards, however, the inability to hire crew or move equipment economically means the tour simply never happens.
UK Music is now calling for a reciprocal agreement with the EU to waive visa requirements. Until the borders are unlocked, the “British & Irish” lineup strategy may remain a logistical necessity rather than a creative choice.
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