Speaking about the government’s attitude to music and the arts post Brexit, Sir Elton John has called ministers ‘philistines’ for their lack of understanding over the impact on the industry of Britain leaving the EU.  Despite lobbying politicians and many other artists and public figures speaking out on the issue, the government’s attitude towards touring musicians in a post-Brexit world has left many deeply unsatisfied and angry, amongst them Sir Elton John

In an interview with The Observer, the rock artist said that “I’m livid about what the government did when Brexit happened. They made no provision for the entertainment business, and not just for musicians, actors and film directors, but for the crews, the dancers, the people who earn a living by going to Europe,” he went on to add that “It’s a nightmare…To young people just starting a career, it’s crucifying.” 

Post-Brexit rules will mean that musicians are no longer guaranteed visa-free access to countries in the EU, making touring difficult if not impossible especially for less established artists who may have less funding and influence. Although frequent touring destinations such as France and Germany are on a list of 17 countries where the government claims gigs can go ahead “without needing visas or work permits”,  there are still more layers of bureaucracy to the process which were not there pre-Brexit and which can be complex to navigate. 

John has been met with great resistance when attempting to address this issue with those in power and when asked why he thought that was he responded by condemning the present government’s attitude, stating that “The government are philistines. We’ve got used to governments – especially the British government – just telling us lies every day, and I don’t feel OK with that….Look what they did with the NHS. After all that those people did during Covid, they give them a 1% increase. I find that extraordinary. It makes me so angry. I’m 74 years of age and I just don’t get this unfairness and this ridiculous ability to lie through your teeth every fucking minute of the day.”

The future of British musicians touring in Europe remains a contentious issue post-Brexit.