Quarter of UK musicians have lost all EU work since 2021, report finds

More than a quarter of British musicians have lost all their EU work since 2021, according to new research. The report by European Movement UK, a cross-party campaign group advocating closer UK-EU relations, found that nearly half of UK musicians have seen their EU work reduced since 2021, while more than a quarter have lost it entirely. Average tour earnings have fallen by 45%, with 59% of musicians saying touring in Europe is no longer viable. Tom Kiehl, the chief executive of UK Music, said the findings reflected a wider crisis across the creative economy, despite commitments to support exchanges. “This research covers the experiences of our £8bn music sector and the 220,000 jobs it supports, but the issues highlighted – notably on mobility and on obstacles to British and EU professionals working in each other’s jurisdictions – are highly relevant also to other creative industries, including film, TV and video,” he said. Under the UK-EU “common understanding” agreed in 2025, both sides committed to supporting travel and cultural exchange, he added. But, said Kiehl, “touring the EU remains financially unviable post-Brexit for many musicians and performers, hindering our efforts to grow our respective creative sectors. We need to sweep away these barriers and build on the work that is already under way.” Mig Schallache owns The Louisiana in Bristol, a music venue that has hosted acts including Coldplay and Amy Winehouse. …