Culture | Music Charging music fans a levy on tickets for the biggest gigs – such as Taylor Swift’s Eras tour – could have a “transformative impact” on Scotland’s music and culture sector, the Greens have said. Scottish Green Party culture spokesperson Mark Ruskell said introducing a £1 fee on the stadium gigs at the largest venues could net £1 million a year. The cash raised could then be used to support grassroots music, artists and venues – potentially helping prevent some venues from closing.
The party raised the issue ahead of Swift’s first Eras show in the UK, with the Blank Space singer set to play to sell-out crowds at Murrayfield in Edinburgh on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. With some 67,000 tickets sold for each of those nights, a £1 levy on each could raise just over £200,000. Mr Ruskell said: “I hope that everyone heading to Murrayfield this weekend enjoys seeing one of the world’s biggest performers in our country’s stunning capital city.
All over Scotland, there are fantastic artists and music venues who are feeling the strain like never before. There are iconic venues that have provided a starting ground for some of the biggest artists in the world. We need to stand with them and support them Scottish Green Party culture spokesperson Mark Ruskell “It is fantastic news for fans that the world’s top pop star has come to Scotland.
“Yet, all over Scotland, there are fantastic artists and music venues who are feeling the strain like ne.
