Overview
- The 31-year-old pledged the full £25,000 after winning the 2025 Mercury Prize for People Watching at the first ceremony held in Newcastle.
- MVT chief executive Mark Davyd praised the move as an incredible gesture and said every penny will make a direct difference to keeping live music in towns and cities.
- Fender previously raised over £100,000 on his 2024 arena tour, which MVT distributed via its Liveline Fund to support 38 grassroots venues across England, Scotland and Wales.
- Grassroots venues have suffered more than 150 closures since 2023 and operated on a 0.48% profit margin in 2024, according to the trust.
- MVT is advocating a £1 ticket levy on shows above 5,000 capacity, with backing from DCMS, major artists such as Coldplay and Katy Perry, and venues including London’s Royal Albert Hall.