Spearheading a revolution in the music merchandise industry, Tim Burgess has expanded his successful “Merch Market” concept to London after its initial triumph in Manchester. The innovative event provides a platform where musicians can sell their merchandise directly to fans without paying commission fees, a practice that stands in stark contrast to the industry norm where venues often take up to 25% of artists’ merchandise sales.
The campaign against venue cuts began in earnest in 2021 when Burgess highlighted the financial burden placed on touring artists by excessive commission rates. His advocacy quickly gained traction, resulting in over 400 venues joining the ‘100% Venues’ database, pledging to allow artists to retain all revenue generated from their merchandise sales. This movement has been warmly received by both performers and their audiences, who view the practice as a fair approach to supporting musical creators.
The music industry’s fairness revolution began with one voice, expanding to hundreds standing united for artists’ financial dignity.
At the Merch Market events, bands not only keep 100% of their merchandise earnings but also avoid stall fees entirely, notably boosting their potential income. Notable acts including New Order, BMX Bandits, and Inspiral Carpets have participated in Manchester’s events, offering fans opportunities to purchase unique items while enjoying live performances, DJ sets, and panel discussions.
The expansion to London marks a significant milestone for the initiative, broadening its reach and potential impact on the music industry. With free entry for attendees, the market creates an accessible environment for fans to connect with their favorite artists while supporting them financially.
Many participating bands create limited-edition merchandise exclusively for these events, often collaborating with local printers for on-site custom designs. The original Manchester event was scheduled for Sun 25 May starting at 11am across multiple venues including Gorilla, O2 Ritz, and Dog Bowl. Fans attending the original Manchester event had chances to win signed vinyl test pressings and special tickets for upcoming festivals.
For touring musicians, who frequently face substantial costs while on the road, the financial stability provided by commission-free merchandise sales can make a vital difference. This initiative aligns perfectly with industry recommendations to diversify income streams for sustainable careers in music. Similar to how musicians use streaming platforms to reach audiences directly, these markets eliminate middlemen and maximize artist earnings. As the Merch Market concept continues to grow, it sets a powerful precedent for fairness in the industry and provides a model that challenges traditional venue practices while fostering stronger connections between artists and their supporters.
