UK Venues Struggle as Black Promoters Shine at Pollstar Awards

The latest report from the Music Venue Trust reveals a concerning landscape for the UK’s grassroots music sector, which contributes over £500 million (approximately $675 million USD) annually to the economy. Despite this significant impact, the sector remains fragile, with venues operating on average profit margins of just 2.5%. In 2025, 53% of these venues reported no profit at all, leading to the loss of approximately 6,000 jobs. The findings echo similar results from the National Independent Venue Association’s (NIVA) State of Live survey, which indicated that 64% of U.S. venues were unprofitable in 2024.

The report highlights a troubling trend, as over the past year, 30 grassroots music venues in the UK have permanently closed. Consequently, 175 towns and cities across the UK, home to an estimated 25 million residents, no longer host regular touring shows by professional artists. The Music Venue Trust warns that this decline in touring opportunities is severely limiting the development prospects for emerging artists.

In a contrasting development, the Black Promoters Collective (BPC) has earned multiple nominations at the 2026 Pollstar Awards, celebrating a year marked by successful shows and tours featuring legendary artists and contemporary stars. Notably, the BPC received nominations for the Hip-Hop Tour of the Year for Trey Songz, Omarion, and Bow Wow in their “The Millennium Tour 2025,” as well as for the R&B Tour of the Year with Brandy and Monica in “The Boy Is Mine Tour.” Other nominees include Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, and Stephanie Mills for their collaborative tour titled “The Queens! 4 Legends. 1 Stage.”

In legal developments relevant to the entertainment industry, the National Conference of Personal Managers (NCOPM) has filed an amicus curiae brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in the case Siegel v. Salazar. This case, which addresses the constitutionality of the California Talent Agencies Act (TAA), has significant implications for personal managers representing artists and performers nationwide. The brief, available on the U.S. Supreme Court’s website, underscores the potential nationwide impact of the case on the entertainment sector.

On the operational front, major concert promoter AEG has announced a strategic partnership with Twilio, a customer engagement platform. This multi-year collaboration aims to enhance customer experiences at concerts and events. Through this partnership, Twilio’s technology will be integrated into AEG’s Crypto.com Arena, as well as the operations of the LA Kings and AXS ticketing platform. The goal is to improve customer communication from ticket purchase through to the in-venue experience.

Further changes in the industry include the appointment of Beau Alexander as General Manager of Special Event Services at Concert Stuff Group (CSG). Bringing over 22 years of experience in live entertainment, Alexander’s career includes significant roles in global touring and artist relations. He has worked with notable artists such as Green Day and Tool, and will continue his role as Monitor Engineer for Morgan Wallen while overseeing operations and strategic initiatives at CSG.

These developments reflect a dynamic yet challenging environment in the live music sector, as both grassroots venues face economic hardships while prominent entities and collaborations highlight ongoing innovation and recognition within the industry.