Musicians Unite: UK & EU Industry Leaders Call to Break Touring Barriers

Well, this one hits right in the tour bus feels. The UK and EU music scenes are finally saying what we’ve all been thinking: the post-Brexit touring situation is an absolute mess — and it’s time to sort it out.

In a rousing open letter released this week, a powerhouse coalition of musicians and industry leaders from both sides of the Channel have come together to tell political leaders: “enough’s enough.” The red tape, the sky-high costs, the mind-bending admin… it’s all crushing the soul (and wallets) of live music, and depriving fans of the magic of seeing their favourite artists on stage.

With over 550 names backing the plea — including big hitters like Blur’s Dave Rowntree, Dame Sarah Connolly, and live music champion Steve Lamacq — the letter is addressed to UK PM Sir Keir Starmer, European Council President António Costa, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. In short: it’s going straight to the top.

The timing isn’t accidental. The EU-UK Summit is landing in London on May 19, just two days after Eurovision sets Europe alight once again — a celebration of unity through music, if ever there was one. And yet, ironically, artists trying to tour across the UK-EU divide are facing more hurdles than ever.

Since Brexit kicked in back in 2020, the challenges have been stacking up: think visas, permits, cabotage rules, and merchandise madness. All those pesky extras make life harder for artists and their crews — especially those at grassroots level — to take their shows on the road. And fans across Europe are missing out in the process.

UK Music CEO Tom Kiehl didn’t mince words, calling the situation “an existential threat” to emerging artists. Naomi Pohl of the Musicians’ Union agreed, adding that the current system is “nonsensical” — especially for smaller acts without the luxury of huge teams.

But it’s not just a UK concern. From British orchestras to European promoters, there’s a loud and united call to bring down the barriers and let creativity flow freely once more. Pearle*, LIVE, the Association of British Orchestras, and the Independent Society of Musicians have all joined forces in what feels like a genuinely hopeful moment of unity.

The message is clear: it’s time for politicians to tune in, listen up, and finally make touring easier again. Let’s hope the summit hears the music.

You can read the full open letter here.