Put simply, the UK’s independent music venues need all the help they can get right now. From astronomic running costs (made worse by the cost-of-living crisis) to the industry’s sluggish recovery from the pandemic, plenty of indie venues across the country remain in a very, very bad way.
The latest to do their bit to try and help the UK’s indie venues is mobility app FREENOW, which has just launched the ‘Ride for Music’ initiative. The scheme essentially pledges £1 for each taxi ride on the app to the Music Venue Trust, a charity that helps to protect, secure and improve venues in the UK.
FREENOW has said it’ll pledge a minimum of £200,000 in total – and backing the scheme is none other than Ed Sheeran.
‘Like so many musicians, I started out playing in grassroots music venues. They are such a vital part of the music ecosystem. Without them, I definitely would not have had the chance to hone my craft and become the artist I am today,’ said Sheeran.
‘I applaud the Ride for Music campaign and hope it raises loads of money for Music Venue Trust, who work tirelessly to both protect and promote these wonderful spaces.’
So, next time you take a cab with FREENOW (whether you’re off to a gig or not), you’ll be supporting live music across the country! Find out more about downloading FREENOW on the official website here.
These are the best music venues in the UK – by acts who’ve played (almost) all of them.
Did you see that this neighbourhood is officially the coolest in the UK?
Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out UK newsletter for the latest UK news and the best stuff happening across the country.