Tim Burgess Announces Innovative Merch Market in Manchester: Bands Keep 100% Proceeds
On April 15, 2025
Table of Contents
- Key Highlights
- Introduction
- Driven by Passion and Principles
- What to Expect at the Merch Market
- The Need for Change in Merchandising Practices
- Building on Past Successes
- Future Implications and Developments
- Community and Culture
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Key Highlights
- Event Overview: Tim Burgess, frontman of The Charlatans, is hosting the Merch Market in Manchester on May 25, 2025, allowing bands to sell merchandise without commission.
- Featured Activities: The event promises live performances, DJ sets, and stampede of surprise guests across several venues.
- Historical Context: Burgess has been a vocal advocate against venues taking significant cuts from merchandise sales, promoting fairness for artists.
Introduction
Picture this: A stage filled with vibrant sounds and eclectic visual art, where every piece of merchandise sold supports the artists without a single fee taken by the venue. An event that turns the traditional music merchandising approach on its head—this vision is becoming a reality in Manchester. On May 25, 2025, Tim Burgess—the iconic voice of The Charlatans—will run the Merch Market, a groundbreaking event that promises complete financial transparency and support for artists. With the fervor for live music booming since the pandemic, this initiative arrives as a much-needed respire for struggling musicians.
Driven by Passion and Principles
As a longstanding advocate for musicians' rights, Burgess has critiqued the norm where venues take a hefty commission from merchandise sales. "The whole system needs addressing," he once stated. According to the Folk Alliance International, as many as 25% of sales can vanish into venue commissions, unfairly squeezing independent artists already burdened by overhead costs.
Burgess' initiative, marked by free stalls and zero commission, is designed to empower musicians and enable them to keep 100% of their merchandise income. He explains, “The Merch Market is a chance for bands and solo artists to check what’s stashed in their rehearsal rooms, languishing in storage, or hiding under the bed.” This ethos echoes the growing demand for fairness in the live music industry—an area often fraught with hidden expenses.
What to Expect at the Merch Market
This inaugural event will span multiple venues, including the O2 Ritz, Gorilla, and Dog Bowl, all conveniently within a one-minute walk of each other. A robust schedule awaits attendees, including:
- Merchandise Stalls: Local and national bands showcasing their gear and collectibles, from T-shirts to limited special runs.
- Live Performances: Burgess is slated to headline the event, which fosters a community atmosphere not only among artists but also with fans.
- DJ Sets and Interviews: Expect on-stage chats and intimate moments with various artists, providing insights into their creative processes.
- Exclusive Giveaways: Attendees could win rare items like signed vinyl test pressings or VIP tickets to festivals such as Kendal Calling 2025.
Burgess also plans to feature cutting-edge on-site printing from local vendor Print Manchester to highlight the evolving landscape of band merchandise.
The Need for Change in Merchandising Practices
As the music industry navigates a post-pandemic recovery, Burgess is not alone in spotlighting the intricacies of live event merchandising. In recent years, growing calls for transparency have resonated with artists globally, encouraging conversations about the fairness of commission practices. Architects, a contemporary British band, once urged artists to “go on strike,” demonstrating the urgency for collective action against merch taxation.
In Australia, venues have also started making strides toward rectification; significant venues are aligning with the 100% Venues initiative, which commits them to relinquish any claim to artists' merchandise sales. This movement reflects a palpable shift in conversations surrounding artist income, echoing throughout the international music scene.
Building on Past Successes
Before the Merch Market, Burgess successfully organized the Vinyl Adventures record fair in December 2021, heightening Manchester’s profile as a lively hub for music enthusiasts. This experience equipped him with the necessary insights to create the Merch Market, promoting collaborative ingenuity in the face of logistical challenges.
Burgess elaborates, “This isn’t just about The Charlatans. It’s about those bands who need merch income to survive.” The sentiment is significantly more profound as we observe the cyclical nature of independent music, where some of the most talented artists often struggle to break even. His vision encompasses a sustainable future wherein musicians can thrive without the added burdens of exploitative business models.
Future Implications and Developments
The Merch Market represents not just an event, but a rallying point for advocacy in the music industry. With the full support from venues and the continuation of campaigns like the 100% Venues, this model can serve as a blueprint for future markets across the UK and beyond. The possibility of incorporating artists' voices in the conversation around venue contracts could further ensure equitable revenue distribution.
Additionally, as the music economy evolves, artists’ reliance on merchandise will likely increase. With many still recovering from pandemic-induced losses, creating platforms free from financial barriers is paramount. Whether it is limited-run items or collectible fan pieces, fans can play a critical role in sustaining their favorite acts.
Community and Culture
At its core, the Merch Market seeks to foster a sense of community amongst artists and fans alike. It offers the unique opportunity for fans to forge direct connections with the bands they adore, making the act of supporting local music venues feel even more personal. Guest artists can interact intimately with music lovers, resulting in an uplifting atmosphere and further encouraging collaboration.
Burgess’s vision is rooted in establishing a culture where musicians feel supported without comprising artistic integrity, all while fostering long-lasting connections with their audiences. As more musicians rally around fair practices, this movement could ensure the continued vibrancy of live music.
Conclusion
With the anticipation of the Merch Market growing ever stronger, it stands to become a landmark event not just for Manchester but as a noteworthy example globally about how fair practices in music merchandising can thrive. By challenging the status quo and advocating for the fair treatment of artists, Tim Burgess is carving a path toward a more supportive and equitable music landscape.
FAQ
What is the Merch Market?
The Merch Market is an event initiated by Tim Burgess in Manchester, where bands can sell their merchandise without paying any commission to venues, allowing them to retain 100% of sales.
When is the Merch Market taking place?
The event will be held on May 25, 2025, and will run from 11 AM until late in various venues across Manchester.
Which venues will participate in the Merch Market?
The O2 Ritz, Gorilla, and Dog Bowl will host stalls and performances, all within a close vicinity of each other.
Will there be live performances at the event?
Yes, Tim Burgess will headline alongside various artists performing live throughout the day.
How can artists participate in the Merch Market?
Artists and manufacturers interested in having a stall can sign up through the Help Us Help Bands website.
Is attendance free?
Yes, entry to the Merch Market is free for all attendees, promoting inclusivity and community spirit.
What makes this event different from typical merchandise sales at concerts?
This event eliminates any fees or commission charges on merchandise sales, advocating for fair compensation for artists.
By advancing fair policies and practices in the live music sector, Tim Burgess is leading a charge toward a more equitable and flourishing arts community. The Merch Market promises music that resonates not just through sound but also through the spirit of community, fairness, and collaborative support.
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