Terry Marshall, co-founder of Marshall Amplification, and his wife Lesley, have made a personal donation of £100,000 to Own Our Venues, the funding initiative launched by Music Venue Properties (MVP).
Own Our Venues was originally launched in 2023 and raised £2.88 million to secure the future of five grassroots music venues (GMVs) by placing them into community ownership. The move protects cultural spaces from the instability of commercial landlords and ensures they remain affordable and accessible.
“The overarching aim of the campaign is to provide long-term stability to venues that are essential for fostering local talent and providing cultural value to existing, local infrastructure,” said a statement.
Music Venue Properties recently announced a new £3 million fundraising Own Our Venues campaign with the stated aim of protecting a further seven venues: The Joiners (Southampton), Bedford Esquires, The Croft (Bristol), The Sugarmill (Stoke), Peggy’s Skylight (Nottingham), The Pipeline (Brighton), and The Lubber Fiend (Newcastle).
The campaign has already garnered widespread support from fans, artists and local communities.
We hope that future generations of musicians and music lovers will be able to have these amazing experiences
Terry Marshall
Terry Marshall, who worked on the first Marshall amp, theJTM45, said: “Small venues have played a vital role over the years in my long career as a professional sax player, and, of course, created the path to success for countless other musicians too. But so many have closed their doors since I first started out at the age of 14. My wife, Lesley, and I get to grassroots venues whenever we can, as we both appreciate live music close up and personal (I still do the occasional guest appearance at 81).
“We hope that future generations of musicians and music lovers will be able to have these amazing experiences too. That’s why we’re supporting Own Our Venues with a substantial contribution. With enough support from others in the music industry and fellow artists, Own Our Venues can make that hope a reality. It’s up to you.”
Matt Otridge, COO of Music Venue Properties, said: “Grassroots venues are where careers begin and ensure communities have access to local, live music. They’re rehearsal spaces, testing grounds, and second homes for countless artists. That’s why Terry and Lesley’s incredible £100,000 donation is more than generous, it’s leadership. It shows the deeply personal impact these spaces have on everyone and reminds the music industry that we all have a role to play.
“Their contribution builds on the belief already shown by over 1,500 community investors, and we’re proud to welcome them into the Music Venue Properties family.”
PHOTO credit: Moe Hickman
