Live Music, Touring & Events

Live performance is often the most visible part of a musician’s career, but it is also one of the most complex areas legally. Each show, tour or festival requires agreements between artists, promoters, venues, booking agents, crew and sometimes even sponsors. A handshake may get you onto a stage, but without a written contract you could face late payments, unexpected deductions, or unclear responsibilities when something goes wrong.

‍

Alive performance agreement sets out the essentials: where and when the artist will perform, what payment is due, what happens if the event is cancelled, and what technical and hospitality requirements must be met. It also covers matters such as insurance, liability, and whether the performance can be recorded or broadcast. Clarity in these areas ensures that both the artist and the promoter understand their obligations.

‍

For touring musicians, contracts become even more important. International tours involve immigration requirements, tax considerations, equipment transport, and compliance with local laws. Proper agreements help manage these complexities by clarifying who is responsible for visas, carnets, backline, travel, accommodation, and crew. Without this clarity, artists can find themselves personally liable for costs or facing cancelled shows.

‍

Festival performances add another layer of complexity. Billing order, stage times, technical specifications, merchandising rights, and exclusivity clauses are common features. An exclusivity clause, for example, might prevent an artist from performing in the same city within a certain period before or after a festival. These clauses can be reasonable but can also limit an artist’s ability to maximise income from a tour. Understanding and negotiating such terms is essential.

‍

Our network helps musicians and businesses prepare agreements that reflect their true interests. Whether it is ensuring deposits are non refundable, clarifying cancellation fees, or protecting against liability for events outside your control, we ensure that contracts provide security. For example, force majeure clauses, those that cover unforeseen events such as extreme weather or global crises, can determine whether you are paid if a show is cancelled. These are not clauses to overlook or accept blindly.

‍

Merchandising rights at live events are also significant. Venues sometimes take a commission on merchandise sales, which can be as high as 25%. Without a clear agreement, you may find yourself paying unexpected fees. Similarly, recording and broadcast rights can affect the long term value of a performance. Being clear about whether a set can be filmed, streamed, or later released prevents disputes and protects your control over your work.

‍

Live music is also an area where disputes frequently arise. Non payment by promoters, cancelled shows without notice, or disagreements about technical riders are common. Having written agreements in place gives you a firm basis to resolve such issues swiftly and fairly. It shows professionalism, protects your financial interests, and ensures that you are treated with respect in an industry where artists are too often taken advantage of.

‍

Atmusiclegal.co.uk, we recognise that touring and live work is not just about contracts but about enabling creativity to thrive. Our role is to ensure that you can step onto the stage knowing that the business side has been carefully managed. With the right agreements in place, your live performances can be not only artistically rewarding but also financially secure and legally protected.