As co-owner and founder of Bush Hall, an independent music venue in London, I was simultaneously intrigued and saddened by Ludovic Hunter-Tilney’s Weekend Essay “The age of the stage” (Life & Arts, FT Weekend, February 10).
Although your article confirms the positive development enjoyed by arena venues, it pays lip service to the significance of smaller platforms for artists to hone their craft. These early opportunities are vital for artists, bands, new genres of music and specialist music communities, all of whom are later welcomed by vast arenas once they are ready.
How about an article that also portrays the plight of independent music venues? We have been waiting for parliament to pass legislation to help smaller venues since 2019. This has come too late for many — 125 closed last year alone.
But instead of waiting for government to act, why can’t arenas levy a ticket tax (as they do in France) that would go to the Music Venue Trust, who would manage it, and distribute it fairly and directly to all independent venues. Bingo!
Emma Hutchinson
Music House for Children — Bush Hall
London W12, UK
