BRISTOL — More than a quarter of British musicians lost all work in the European Union since 2021, according to a 2024 report. The report found that nearly half of British musicians experienced reduced work in the European Union during the same period, with average tour earnings decreasing by 45 percent.
59 percent of surveyed musicians stated that touring in Europe is no longer viable. "This research covers the experiences of our £8bn music sector and the 220,000 jobs it supports, but the issues highlighted – notably on mobility and on obstacles to British and EU professionals working in each other's jurisdictions – are highly relevant also to other creative industries, including film, TV and video," Tom Kiehl, chief executive of a music industry organization, said.
"Touring the EU remains financially unviable post-Brexit for many musicians and performers, hindering our efforts to grow our respective creative sectors," Kiehl said. "We need to sweep away these barriers and build on the work that is already under way."
British creative professionals encounter distinct visa systems in each E.U. member state and face new work permit requirements for E.U. work. The Schengen 90-days-in-180 rule restricts the amount of time citizens can spend working across the E.U. bloc. Customs documentation and security deposits for orchestras range between £2,000 and £5,000 per E.U. tour.
"Because of Brexit, we're getting less and less artists from Europe," Mig Schallache, owner of The Louisiana, a music venue in Bristol, said. "But the problem that creates is that there aren't enough artists in the U.K. to fill diaries."
"Pre-Brexit, it was so much easier for U.K. bands to go to Europe, but now it's pretty much impossible," Schallache said. "U.K. bands used to do a U.K. tour, then go to Europe and play European shows. But now that just not feasible because it's not cost-effective."