Fatboy Slim has dropped the beat for a new venture - investing in The Pipeline, a beloved Brighton DIY punk venue. Norman Cook, aka Fatboy Slim, is leading the charge alongside Music Venue Properties (MVP), who've got their sights set on safeguarding grassroots music spaces across the UK. It's mission 10 for MVP's community ownership scheme, and The Pipeline is the latest to join the fold - but it won't be alone for long! This timely takeover comes as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak cuts taxes for pubs, clubs, and live venues in England by a whopping 20% - saving the average pub £1,100 a year and benefiting over 32,000 businesses.
The UK's music industry is feeling the pinch, with many small venues struggling to stay afloat. Fatboy Slim knows this all too well, praising grassroots spots as the 'lifeblood' of the business. But MVP's innovative model promises to be the cure-all - allowing these community-led ventures to thrive without breaking the bank (or rather, escalating rents). This is no isolated case; we're seeing a full-on assault on behalf of our beloved music scene from all corners.
The PM's music plan has dropped a bombshell, channelling £45 million into the industry over three years. The aim? To support 40,000 artists and businesses, fund 2,000 projects, and give millions of kids a chance to get involved - with a focus on levelling the playing field for working-class individuals. And let's not forget our £8 billion music industry is worth fighting for!
But it's not all good news - recent stats show that over half of UK grassroots venues went bust in 2025, resulting in a whopping 6,000 job losses. The voluntary ticket levy introduced last year has raised over £500,000 from big-name acts like Sam Fender and Mumford & Sons. However, industry engagement is lagging behind expectations - with only 8.8% of arena shows participating so far. Ian Murray MP's given the industry a stern warning: get on board, or face the music (literally!)
Meanwhile, MVP's efforts are paying off - they've already secured venues like The Snug in Atherton and The Joiners in Southampton. This collaboration between private investors and public sector players is the perfect blend of music magic and community spirit!