Live music

‘The record is a snapshot’: Inside Billy Mahonie’s unlikely comeback and the evolution of post-rock
Culture

‘The record is a snapshot’: Inside Billy Mahonie’s unlikely comeback and the evolution of post-rock

After years apart, Billy Mahonie is back with a new album, a tour, and the same unpredictable, electrifying energy that made them underground icons.

Loud music ruined my ears – but it doesn’t mean I can’t still enjoy a Mogwai gig
Music

Loud music ruined my ears – but it doesn’t mean I can’t still enjoy a Mogwai gig

Mogwai, one of Malcolm Jack’s favourite bands, are playing in his home town. But there’s a problem

Independent venues are the backbone of the live music scene – we must look after them
Sybil Bell

Independent venues are the backbone of the live music scene – we must look after them

Independent venues are the backbone of the live music scene. We need to look after them.

Plea to save UK’s grassroots music venues as hundreds face closure: ‘We’ll all be poorer for it’
Grassroots music venues

Plea to save UK’s grassroots music venues as hundreds face closure: ‘We’ll all be poorer for it’

Big Issue’s Changemakers of 2025: Culture and sport
Changemakers 2025

Big Issue’s Changemakers of 2025: Culture and sport

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Bingo and karaoke with Barry from EastEnders: How the UK’s entertainment economy is changing
Entertainment

Bingo and karaoke with Barry from EastEnders: How the UK’s entertainment economy is changing

Husband and wife Big Issue vendors: ‘Just treat people how you want to be treated’
Our vendors

Husband and wife Big Issue vendors: ‘Just treat people how you want to be treated’

‘The Jazz Bar is too important to fail’ says the couple who saved an Edinburgh institution
Venue Watch

‘The Jazz Bar is too important to fail’ says the couple who saved an Edinburgh institution

From 00s pop to cutting-edge electronica: Here’s the best UK music festivals in summer 2024
Festival guide

From 00s pop to cutting-edge electronica: Here’s the best UK music festivals in summer 2024

‘When I was mentally ill, I could only listen to hard techno’: Why is music so important to us?
Music

‘When I was mentally ill, I could only listen to hard techno’: Why is music so important to us?

Take it from me, going to gigs by yourself is liberating and life-affirming
Malcolm Jack

Take it from me, going to gigs by yourself is liberating and life-affirming

‘Against the odds’: How the Lubber Fiend made Newcastle’s music scene exciting again
Venue Watch

‘Against the odds’: How the Lubber Fiend made Newcastle’s music scene exciting again

‘This is not the end’: Experimental arts venue Iklectik fights to survive after shock eviction
Venue Watch

‘This is not the end’: Experimental arts venue Iklectik fights to survive after shock eviction

Grassroots venue Off the Cuff is home to UK’s biggest youth open mic – and it needs your help
Venue Watch

Grassroots venue Off the Cuff is home to UK’s biggest youth open mic – and it needs your help

Big Issue’s Venue Watch helps save Woking’s only grassroots music venue: ‘It’s a big win’
Venue Watch

Big Issue’s Venue Watch helps save Woking’s only grassroots music venue: ‘It’s a big win’

English Teacher on the power of diversity and how grassroots venues keep music from becoming boring
Music

English Teacher on the power of diversity and how grassroots venues keep music from becoming boring

Independent Venue Week 2024: Without grassroots music venues, there’d be no Madonna
Venue Watch

Independent Venue Week 2024: Without grassroots music venues, there’d be no Madonna

‘No mean feat’: How Leeds grassroots venue The Wardrobe defied the odds to celebrate 25 years
Venue Watch

‘No mean feat’: How Leeds grassroots venue The Wardrobe defied the odds to celebrate 25 years

At least two grassroots music venues closing each week
Venue Watch

At least two grassroots music venues closing each week

Save Luna: London venue fights to survive in face of crippling costs and founder’s tragic passing
Venue Watch

Save Luna: London venue fights to survive in face of crippling costs and founder’s tragic passing

‘You can have a life-changing experience for the price of pizza’: Why Sneaky Pete’s is vital to Scottish music
Venue Watch

‘You can have a life-changing experience for the price of pizza’: Why Sneaky Pete’s is vital to Scottish music

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The unusual story of how one Lancashire venue rose like a phoenix: ‘It’s a place for everybody’
venue watch

The unusual story of how one Lancashire venue rose like a phoenix: ‘It’s a place for everybody’

How tiny music venue The Pit at Newstead revived a former mining community: ‘It’s a lifeline’
venue watch

How tiny music venue The Pit at Newstead revived a former mining community: ‘It’s a lifeline’

Iconic venue where Oasis and Pulp cut their teeth shuts after 45 years: ‘We won’t be the only ones’
Venue Watch

Iconic venue where Oasis and Pulp cut their teeth shuts after 45 years: ‘We won’t be the only ones’

Urgent campaign to save London music venue Matchstick Piehouse after landlord sends in bailiffs
venue watch

Urgent campaign to save London music venue Matchstick Piehouse after landlord sends in bailiffs