Live Nation and FAE Group have joined forces to launch Punchbag Uni: The University Tour, a 15-date run in partnership with universities and grassroots venues.
Commencing today (September 24) in Exeter, the initiative from the live promoter in partnership with FAE, the creative investment & services platform, “represents a reinvestment in the future of live music and grassroots venues, putting live shows back at the heart of university culture”, according to a statement.
“Recognised as the unsung heroes of the live music sector, these spaces have been instrumental in discovering and nurturing the next generation of talent but are in need of increased funding and protection,” the announcement continued.
Additionally, in recent years, student life has shifted heavily toward electronic and DJ nights, leaving live bands with fewer opportunities to play.
Punchbag Uni aims to reverse that trend, by putting funding, resources and audiences back into these venues while supporting emerging bands that are reinvigorating the UK music scene.
FAE Group founder and CEO Sarah Stennett said: “When some of the recent graduates in my team told me they had never experienced live guitar music during their time at university, I was taken aback. Many moons ago, back in my days at Nottingham Uni, I was lucky enough to see bands like Simple Minds, The Smiths and The Cure there, which really inspired me. So, I tasked my team to see if there was an appetite from Student Unions and the student community to book bands as part of an overall initiative.
“I was encouraged when feedback from our early approaches confirmed there’s a real enthusiasm for guitar music within the university community. It’s not that the interest isn’t there, it’s simply not been made available to them. This tour, which we intend to repeat annually, will offer a rare platform for emerging bands to play in front of audiences we believe are thirsty for an alternative to DJ-driven nights.”
This tour, which we intend to repeat annually, will offer a rare platform for emerging bands to play in front of audiences we believe are thirsty for an alternative to DJ-driven nights
Sarah Stennett
This collaboration between promoters, venue networks and industry leaders will work to bring back investment and audience engagement into grassroots spaces, and create a sustainable pipeline for emerging artists.
Supporting Student Unions and University venues, tickets will be exclusively available via a verified student platform.
Denis Desmond, chairman Live Nation UK and Ireland, said: “Developing artists has always been at the heart of what we do, and this new imitative will pump funding directly into the grassroots touring ecosystem. Universities have historically been where up-and-coming bands honed their skills, and where young generations of gig-goers feel in love with music. Punchbag Uni: The University Tour marks a renewed commitment to bringing live music back to the forefront of University life.”
The tour brings together the next wave of emerging guitar bands and artists. The line-up includes Villanelle (pictured), fronted by Gene Gallagher; instrumentalist and songwriter Bino Bames; Mancunian indie rock four-piece Florentenes; and rising new wave band Die Twice from Exeter.
Gene Gallagher said: “We’re excited to be playing the grassroot venues. This is where it all starts.”
Bino Bames said: “For me, it’s about proving that young artists can bring something fresh and fearless to the stage, this tour is about connecting with people our age and showing them the future of live music belongs to us.”
Florentenes’ lead singer Will Smith said: “Taking this Uni Tour on the road feels like a real statement, it shows that live music is alive and kicking on campus. Universities have always been a breeding ground for new sounds and new energy, and we’re proud to be part of that tradition. For us, it’s not just about playing gigs; it’s about reminding people that bands are back and live music is worth supporting.”
Die Twice frontman Olly Bayton added: “I think the concept of the Uni Tour is what’s been missing for a long time for young people. Love of music, sweat, dancing and real-life connection is what we and our generation craves, so it’s great we get to be part of it!”
Punchbag Uni: The University Tour
Sep 24 — University of Exeter, Exeter Cavern
Sep 25 — University of Falmouth, AMATA Arts Centre
Oct 2 — BIMM University Brighton, Green Door Store
Oct 5 — University of the Arts London, The Social
Oct 7 — University of Cardiff, Clwb Ifor Bach
Oct 8 — University of Cambridge, Mash
Oct 12 — University of Oxford, The Jericho Tavern
Oct 13 — Queen’s University Belfast, Oh Yeah Centre
Oct 14 — Trinity College Dublin, The Workman’s Club
Oct 15 — University of Sheffield, Sidney and Matilda
Oct 17 — University of Manchester, Night & Day
Oct 20 — University of York, The Fulford Arms
Oct 21 — University of Leeds, Hyde Park Book Club
Oct 22 — University of Newcastle, Zerox
Oct 23 — University of Edinburgh, The Mash House
Oct 25 — University of Glasgow, Queen Margaret Union
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