A new report from Live DMA, funded by the Creative European Programme of the European Union, has estimated that the loss of audience visits and income for venues in Europe will be even higher in 2021 than in 2020, when compared to the situation before the pandemic.
Across the 3,253 music venues that are part of the Live DMA, there were 78% fewer live music performances and 1.9 million less artist performances.
The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has decimated many industries, with at least a decline of €730m spent on programming artists.
In terms of a social impact, there were 141 million fewer visitors with live entertainment largely cancelled in 2020 and for much of 2021. The decline in audience visits was also heightened in 2021 compared to 2020, with a decline of 83% in 2021 compared to 77% less visits in 2020.
This has resulted in a 81% fall in own income for venues and clubs – excluding some subsidies – in 2021, compared to a drop of 75% in 2020. Overall, there has been a 66% loss of income for clubs and venues across Europe.
The report said: “Many music venues and clubs will have negative financial results in both 2020 and 2021, especially the private commercial venues and clubs that do not receive subsidies, and larger non-profit venues and clubs with a low share of subsidy. They are depending heavily on audience income.”
The report added: “More support is needed for the whole ecosystem of live music, including freelancers, suppliers, and artists, to preserve the live music infrastructure, to avoid further damage to the industry and to support recovery.”
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