Up to 40% of ticket holders not turning up to gigs due to pandemic

In a recent article by The Observer, artist manager Graeme Stewart has discussed the rise in no-shows at gigs due to the pandemic, and recent uncertainty with rising cases and the Omicron variant. He said, "You always had people that didn’t turn up. It was around 5% normally, but you’re getting as much as 40% no-shows for some gigs now. It’s an enormous problem, and it’s happening for anything that’s ticketed."

Dublin-based promoter Will Rolfe added, "It’s a big issue and it’s having a real knock-on effect."

Co-founder of Parklife festival, Sacha Lord, said, "We’re seeing a big drop-off, even at really hot, sold-out shows. It’s happening every single night, and it’s affecting all artists."

According to NME, Music Venue Trust's Mark Davyd has since called for "decisive and immediate action" to help save the live music sector. "Regardless of any restrictions or vaccination campaigns, the fact is that grassroots music venues are experiencing a huge downturn in the number of people attending," he said. "This real life outcome results directly from confused messaging by the government and risks making the sector economically unviable very quickly."

"Decisive and immediate action is needed to address this situation," he added. "That action must include the immediate cancellation of the VAT rise and the suspension of Business Rates."