The bloody licensing laws have killed off live music in small pubs and clubs. This is where most musos earn a living and where the up-and-coming stars of the future learn their trade.
Under the Licensing Act, a performance by one musician in a bar, restaurant, school or hospital not licensed for live music could lead to a criminal prosecution of those organising the event. Even a piano may count as a licensable 'entertainment facility'. By contrast, amplified big screen broadcast entertainment is exempt. The government says the Act is necessary to control noise nuisance, crime, disorder and public safety, even though other laws already deal with those risks. Musicians warned the Act would harm small events. About 50% of bars and 75% of restaurants have no live music permission. Obtaining permission for the mildest live music event remains costly and time-consuming. In May, the Culture, Media and Sport Committee recommended exemptions for venues up to 200 capacity and for unamplified performance by one or two musicians.
The government said no. But those exemptions would restore some fairness in the regulation of live music and encourage grassroots venues.
Richard Hawley started in such venues as did The Beatles and every other orignal and talented music act. One day we will be left with only what the engineers can put together digitally in the studio. Dead, flat, uncreative, non-live, spiritless pap.
I urge anyone who cares about live music, and who enjoys rare talents like Richard Hawley, to visit
http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/livemusicevents/
and help the cause.
Thanks.
~Sticks~
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