In a bid to help save the U.K.'s grassroots music venues, Sony Music U.K. has made an undisclosed donation to the Music Venue Trust.
The Music Venue Trust works to save smaller venues around the U.K. for the important role they play in the live music industry, especially for up-and-coming artists. Many of these venues, including The Marquee, Astoria, 12 Bar Club, and Madame Jojo's have closed their doors since 2007, leaving fewer live performance opportunities that were vital in building legendary careers such as the Beatles.
"If we don't support live music at this level, then the future of music in general is in danger," said former Beatle Paul McCartney, who will also be supporting the Music Venue Trust. "Without the grassroots clubs, pubs and music venues, my career could have been very different."
To meet its goals, Music Venue Trust hopes others will also contribute financially to the cause of saving smaller venues with the hopes of bolstering the live music economy for artists at all stages in their careers.
"Sony is committed to supporting and developing artists from grassroots to festival headliners," said Sony Music U.K. chairman and CEO Jason Iley. "We recognize the vital role that grassroots music venues play in that journey, providing an essential platform for artists to be able to take their first steps and develop their audiences."
