Andy Burnham invests in initiative which runs two grassroots music venues in Yorkshire
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has invested in an initiative that is helping to protect grassroots music venues.
The politician is one of more than 2,500 people who have invested in Music Venue Properties – which acquires buildings that house grassroots music venues, providing operators with long-term security while also safeguarding the cultural spaces for their communities.
MVP has purchased 10 grassroots music venues to date including two in Yorkshire - Northern Guitars in Leeds and Gut Level in Sheffield.
The acquisition now sees the venue secure permanent community ownership, protecting it from the “uncertainties of the commercial property market and ensuring it can continue serving Brighton’s music community for generations to come”.
A cornerstone of Brighton’s independent music scene, MVP has said The Pipeline built a reputation for championing emerging artists and provides an essential platform for live music.
With the building now held in community ownership, it has the stability to continue supporting artists, audiences and the city’s wider music ecosystem “long into the future”.
DJ, producer and long-time Brighton resident Norman Cook – aka Fatboy Slim, who has invested in Music Venue Properties himself – has also encouraged other musicians, music fans and investors to support the organisation.
“Our thriving music business needs grassroots venues. The next Coldplay or Radiohead need places to hone their skills and find their audience. The grassroots venues continually struggle in the current financial climate, and landlords are not always their friend,” he said.
“Community ownership means they pay fair rent and have security, knowing their venue will not suddenly be turned into a block of flats. MVP is ethical investment that protects venues but also has a sound business model.
“I have invested a substantial sum and I am proud to be able to help protect the nurturing environments for future musicians & DJs. I urge anyone to join me, whether you are successful musician wanting to give something back to the lower rungs of the food chain or a music fan who wants to feel part of the wonderful community. It’s not a donation, it’s an investment in the future of our wonderful music industry.”
Other musicians to have invested also include Squeeze co-founder and frontman Glenn Tilbrook and singer-songwriter Katie Melua.
MVP has previously purchased The Snug in Atherton, The Ferret in Preston, Le Pub in Newport, The Bunkhouse in Swansea, The Booking Hall in Dover, The Croft in Bristol, The Joiners in Southampton, Northern Guitars in Leeds and Gut Level in Sheffield.
Since launching in 2022, MVP has raised around £7 million through a combination of community investment and cultural partners.