Survey suggests Brexit will stop UK musicians performing in Europe
The survey from Encore musicians indicates that current Brexit travel restrictions will stop them performing in Europe
Last updated 28th Jan 2021
A survey, undertaken by Encore Musicians, suggests that 76% musicians said it was "likely Brexit travel restrictions will stop them performing in Europe".
The poll, with 452 respondents, also shows that 40% of musicians have already cancelled gigs because of the current Brexit agreements and that 91% will have a negative impact based on the current terms.
Based on 2019 figures, musicians who performed in Europe earned an average total of £4,673 per annum.
The survey comes in the wake of growing pressure from the music industry after the UK government and European Union failed to reach an agreement for touring musicians to tour freely, As a consequence, there will be an influx of new costs and red tape acting as a barrier to UK musicians and live performers touring across the continent if nothing is agreed.
A deal was reportedly on the table, but both sides have accused each other of the failure to reach a concrete agreement.
Stars including Sir Elton John, Glastonbury organisers Michael and Emily Eavis, Sting and many others signed a letter in The Times in protest to the news. The letter was put together by the Incorporated Society of Musicians.
Last week, UK Music Chief Executive, Jamie Njoku-Goodwin, met Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden last week to find out more about the issue, stating “As an industry, we aren’t interested in playing a blame game. We just want to reach a solution that enables us to continue delivering the positive benefits for the UK that we always have done. So it was welcome to hear the Government’s commitment to working to reach a solution, but we will continue to press for action that resolves the challenges our industry is facing from Brexit."
The Chief Executive added, "As a £5.8 billion industry that supports 200,00 jobs and generates £2.9 billion in exports, the music industry must also be supported through these challenges."
At the time of writing, no agreement has been made between the UK and EU, but the Digital and Culture minister Caroline Dinenage has said "the door is open" for one to be.