Greens bid for levy on mega-gigs in Glasgow
Glasgow’s Scottish Green councillors will today submit a motion calling for the introduction of a small ticket levy to be applied to mega-gigs at the Hydro, with the revenue raised to be directed towards supporting grassroots music venues across the city.
Figures from the Music Venue Trust show that the number of spaces closing across Scotland increased from one in 2021 and five in 2022 to 14 in 2023.
The Hydro, which has a capacity of over 12,000, regularly hosts major artists and events, with Kylie Minogue, Sam Fender, Olly Murs, comedian Peter Kay, Strictly Come Dancing and the WWE set to perform there in the months ahead.
A £1 levy on tickets for these shows alone could raise over £160k to support grassroots venues and artists across the city.
Scottish Glasgow Green Cllr Christy Mearns, who is moving the motion, said:
“Glasgow’s Green Councillors share concerns being raised by the Nighttime Industries Association and the Music Venue Trust that without urgent intervention, grassroots music venues will continue to suffer and our city’s culture could be irreparably damaged as a result.
“Glasgow has an opportunity to spearhead one of the solutions being called for by Music Venue Trust, by progressing the case for a Stadium Levy in Glasgow, which could provide much-needed financial support to these venues which contribute overwhelmingly to the success of the music scene in Glasgow and far beyond.
“I hope all parties agree that this needs to be explored immediately, alongside steps such as expanding late-night public transport and delivering rates relief. Our impressive record for music and culture, which made Glasgow the first UNESCO City of Music in the UK, simply cannot be sustained without these important spaces.”
Scottish Green MSP Patrick Harvie said:
“This is a really difficult time for grassroots arts and culture in Glasgow and across Scotland. Mega gigs are a valued part of Glasgow’s cultural scene, but they are not the only part. We have seen venues shutting while artists are struggling to make ends meet.
“If we are to maintain our city’s reputation for nightlife and culture then things need to change. I am proud that Glasgow’s Green councillors are showing leadership and putting forward ideas like a stadium levy which is a small change that could make a big difference to culture across our city and beyond.”
Glasgow City Council is the majority shareholder of Scottish Events Campus Limited, which owns and operates the SEC site, including the Hydro. Two Glasgow councillors sit on the SEC Board of Directors. If the motion is successful then Glasgow City Council’s administration would write to the Board, requesting a pilot Stadium Levy for the Hydro.