In a significant move for the UK’s live music scene, acclaimed DJ Fatboy Slim has stepped in to help ensure the survival of The Pipeline, a cherished music venue in Brighton. This initiative, part of a £7 million endeavour dubbed the “National Trust of music venues,” aims to convert the venue into a community-owned establishment, safeguarding its future against the rising challenges faced by grassroots locations.
A New Era for The Pipeline
Located on Little East Street, The Pipeline has now become the tenth venue under the stewardship of Music Venue Properties (MVP), a campaign dedicated to acquiring the freeholds of music venues across the country. Fatboy Slim, whose real name is Norman Cook, is joined in this philanthropic effort by prominent figures such as Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and Squeeze frontman Glenn Tilbrook. Together, they are committed to preserving spaces where emerging artists can hone their craft and create lasting memories.
Cook expressed his deep affection for venues like The Pipeline, stating, “I love venues like this because they remind me of when I started out, that youthful excitement and feeling about having to perform.” He emphasised the vital role such venues play in the music industry, particularly in today’s economically challenging landscape. “In this current economic climate, it’s quite hard for them to survive, so if MVP buys the venue, we can be the benevolent landlord that doesn’t raise the rent, listens to them, and gives them long-term security,” he added.
The Vision Behind MVP
The MVP initiative operates by raising funds through community shares and investor contributions, allowing it to purchase music venues and lease them back to the businesses that run them. This innovative model has led to the acquisition of other notable properties, including The Booking Hall in Dover, The Snug in Atherton, and The Joiners in Southampton. With the addition of The Pipeline, MVP solidifies its position as the largest landlord of dedicated music venues in the UK, earning the nickname “The National Trust for music venues” due to its mission of securing the future of these vital cultural hubs.
Thomas Evrenos, who has managed The Pipeline since 2017, articulated the importance of this transition: “For the future of the venue, this means a lot because having landlords that understand what we are doing and realise that our purpose is to create a place that is good for musicians is super important.” He further remarked on the potential challenges without this support, saying, “If it didn’t turn out like this and someone had tried to increase the rent, then I would have probably given up.”
The Broader Landscape of Live Music
This initiative comes at a time when grassroots music venues in the UK are struggling to stay afloat. According to the Music Venue Trust, over half of these venues reported no profit last year, leading to the closure of 30 live music sites and the loss of approximately 6,000 jobs—nearly 20% of the sector’s workforce. However, there is a glimmer of hope; attendance at grassroots gigs has surged by 13%, with 21 million fans flocking to concerts featuring emerging talent.
Peter Cornforth from MVP highlighted the importance of preserving live music spaces, noting, “Brighton is a really vibrant place, but you need live spaces for people to come and learn their craft. We are about the preservation of the key role that grassroots venues play, both for artists and in their communities.”
Why it Matters
The transformation of The Pipeline into a community-owned venue is not just a local victory; it represents a broader commitment to safeguarding the future of live music across the UK. As the industry grapples with economic pressures and the threat of closures, initiatives like MVP’s are crucial in fostering an environment where creativity can flourish. By investing in venues that nurture talent and provide a platform for new voices, we not only preserve our musical heritage but also ensure that the next generation of artists has the opportunity to thrive. In an era where the cultural landscape is increasingly at risk, this initiative proves that community and collaboration can pave the way for a vibrant future in live music.
