While huge headline shows from the likes of Oasis, Sam Fender, Lana Del Rey and many more have commanded the attention this summer – not to mention a huge festival season – the industry must not lose sight of the reality facing the UK’s independent venues.
So says John Rhodes, who is director of sports and entertainment at HOK architecture practice.
HOK’s recent projects include Manchester’s AO Arena and Stockholm’s Avicii Arena, while the company is involved in the early stages of the 12,500-capacity Sage Arena in Gateshead and the recently announced 8,500-seater Edinburgh Arena.
Here, in an exclusive piece for Music Week, Rhodes outlines the importance of safeguarding Britain’s nighttime economy.
"Summer is here, bringing with it festival season and the wonderful opportunity to enjoy live music.
"I recently had the chance to see one of my favourite bands — not at a festival, but at Sheffield’s legendary Leadmill venue. It was my first visit, and, sadly, my last, as the Leadmill closed at the end of June [new owners the Electric Group plan to open the new iteration in 2026]..
"Watching this year’s Glastonbury coverage reminded me how many bands and artists – such as surprise Pyramid Stage act Pulp – honed their craft in these community venues.
"The decline of independent music venues is well documented, despite overall growth in the music industry. Still reeling from the pandemic, these venues face a perfect storm of rising business rates, inflationary pressures on utilities and staffing, and external challenges such as noise complaints and increasing legislative demands – all of which can push an already fragile business model over the edge.
It’s time to redesign the experience – what can smaller venues learn from their larger counterparts?
John Rhodes, HOK
"Worse may be yet to come. Most independent venues rely heavily on revenue from ticket sales (shared with artists) and bar (wet) sales. But there’s an existential threat: people – especially younger generations – are drinking less.
"This challenge isn’t unique to music venues. Nightclubs and traditional community pubs face similar pressures.
"So, what can smaller venues learn from their larger counterparts – those 15,000 to 20,000-capacity multi-purpose arenas? It’s time to redesign the experience.
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Acoustics: There will always be demand for an authentic, intimate music experience. To compete with evolving technology, the quality must be exceptional. Smaller venues have an advantage here—it’s easier to achieve great acoustics—but they still need proper sound treatment, including absorption panels and bass traps to reduce reverberation.
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Revenue Generation: If people are still drinking beer, make it easy to buy. Increase points of sale and streamline the purchasing process. Offer creative beverage options, including non-alcoholic choices. Partner with local street food vendors and give them space to operate.
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Merchandise: Much of an artist’s income now comes from merchandise. Provide prominent, well-lit areas to promote it. Why not also sell venue-branded merchandise celebrating past gigs?
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Sponsorship: Large venues generate significant income from naming rights and sponsorships. Smaller venues can do the same by creating inventory that appeals to local businesses—sponsored lounge areas, for example. Tastefully showcase local brands without compromising the venue’s rock-and-roll atmosphere.
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Premium Spaces: Create mini hospitality zones for groups of friends. A comfy sofa or a private fridge can go a long way.
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Operational Efficiencies: Touring is expensive for artists too. What if venues formed cooperatives to bulk-buy production equipment and share resources?
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Community Relations: Be a good neighbour. Manage queues and exits proactively. Get people off the street quickly and respectfully. The building’s relationship with its streetscape matters.
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Diversify The Calendar: Could these venues become the next generation of village halls, hosting a wider range of community events?
"This authentic experience comes at a cost, but we must support these nurseries of talent. Without them, future generations may be left with only AI-generated content to fill the cultural void. Protecting our night-time economy ensures that not every interaction is mediated through a screen.
"So, use our pubs, clubs, and venues – or lose them."
