The Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess has recently criticised venues taking substantial cuts from band merchandise sales. Taking to Twitter, he noted how there are certain bands that “need merch income to survive”, yet despite this, some places take as much as a 25% cut. In fairness to the venues, Burgess admitted that “often it’s a completely separate ‘concession’ company that the venue deals with as part of a contract“, but that didn’t stop him insisting that “the whole system needs addressing”, suggesting that “Maybe bands need to ask for a percentage of the bar take”. Burgess also asked the company O2 to comment on the matter, noting their involvement with many of the venues taking these cuts.
Big respect to those venues that don’t take a percentage of a band’s merch sales. This isn’t about The Charlatans, it’s about those bands who need merch income to survive. Some places take 25%
A quarter of the full selling price. Vinyl doesn’t even have that mark up to begin with— Tim Burgess (@Tim_Burgess) December 9, 2021
Since posting about it last Thursday, Burgess has received a variety of responses. For example, The Leadmill (a music venue in Sheffield) expressed the importance of not taking cuts on band merchandise. Also, artists like Joy Division and New Order bassist Peter Hook supported the cause. Hook posted a lengthy Twitter post about how venue cuts have affected him and other bands, saying that some of the practices were even illegal, with venues often including VAT with the cut they get.
Some thoughts about venues charging a commission on sales of band merchandise… sometimes up to 25%. Well done @Tim_Burgess for starting this conversation. I have been battling this for many years now and fully support a change to this practise. pic.twitter.com/rMYZiPpjDW — Peter Hook (@peterhook) December 10, 2021
Despite much support, some venues have still defended their actions, with the Ulster Hall arguing that the rates are compatible “with industry standards”. Burgess again used Twitter to express his dissatisfaction with this response, arguing that “Musicians have an objection to the practice of venues taking 25% + VAT from gross sales of the band’s merch. To then defend this as ‘it’s in line with industry standards’ misses the point by at least a mile”.
Musicians have an objection to the practice of venues taking 25% + VAT from gross sales of the band’s merch. To then defend this as ‘it’s in line with industry standards’ misses the point by at least a mile https://t.co/iSEZ96yhAx
— Tim Burgess (@Tim_Burgess) December 11, 2021
Burgess’ concern for smaller artists has also crossed over into the world of streaming, with him supporting the work of Cardiff West Labour MP Kevin Brennan in trying to get the law changed, ensuring fairer cuts for artists and songwriters on streaming platforms. The musician said “Total love for the work that Kevin Brennan MP has been doing on behalf of musicians, bands and artists. It’s great to know there’s support in Parliament.”
Brennan is a musician in his own right, and Burgess invited him to be a guest in one of his notorious Twitter ‘Listening Parties’ (something started early in the pandemic last year, where Burgess and a guest(s) listen to an album made by the guest, who may give certain ‘behind-the-scenes’ insights along the way), playing Brennan’s album The Clown & The Cigarette Girl next Wednesday at 8 pm.
I will soon be hosting a #timstwitterlisteningparty for my solo album ‘The Clown & The Cigarette Girl’ which was recently released on Revolver Records. Please feel free to join me on Wednesday, December 15th at 8pm. #TimsListeningParty pic.twitter.com/dPdzKoCfTc — Kevin Brennan MP (@KevinBrennanMP) December 11, 2021
