Brexit is 'hell' for working musicians and road crew

Artists hit by red tape and increased costs, warns report

- ARCHIE MITCHELL

Leading artists have warned that “Brexit is hell” as a damning report revealed the damage of Britain’s departure from the EU on the UK’s music industry.

As the number of artists saying Brexit has hit their income rose from 82 per cent to 87 per cent, UK-based songwriter Victoria Canal said “it is expensive logistically and puts pressure on all of us”.

Producer Catherine Marks said the UK’s exit from the European bloc has negatively impacted recording budgets and caused increases in costs for British artists touring the EU. UK Music’s annual economic report said Brexit has been a “catastrophe” for the sector, with artists still seeing fewer invites to perform in the EU and swathes of red tape when playing on the continent.

And, amid Sir Keir Starmer’s ongoing post-Brexit reset of relations with the EU, the industry body said: “A much more ambitious plan is needed to ensure the UK keeps pace with intensifying global competition.” UK Music said last year the hit to UK artists’ income was broadly comparable with 2022 but had worsened for average and lower earners.

The report said: “Superstar artists such as Harry Styles, Elton John and Coldplay command attractive offers to play in the EU, and have the resources to manage the obstacles presented by Brexit. However, this is often not the case for road crews and supporting musicians who can find themselves restricted by the 90-day limit, or music creators who are not household names.”

The calls come weeks after a top soprano warned in The Independent that Britain risks losing its entire classical music industry due to post-Brexit red tape blocking UK artists from touring in the EU.