d&b audiotechnik is the first audio manufacturer to pledge regular support to Liveline, a new initiative set up by Music Venue Trust (MVT) and Save Our Scene (SOS) to strengthen the UK grassroots music sector.
The Liveline initiative comes at a time of crisis for the UK’s live music venues. Rising operational costs, energy bills and business rates have put many under pressure, while the high cost of living adversely affects audience spending. In 2025, one in five music venue jobs was lost, with many venues being forced to close altogether. This represents the largest workforce decline recorded since Music Venue Trust began recording this data in 2014.
The new partnership sees d&b become Liveline’s official audio partner, committing annual contributions to the Liveline Fund, which is a fully funded national touring programme designed to address the root causes of the touring crisis. The support also includes the donation of a d&b sound system installed on the SOS Fire Truck, a vehicle converted with state-of-the-art show technology and used to spread the word across the UK.
The SOS Fire Truck aims to highlight the issues affecting grassroots venues, artists and promoters across the UK. Notably, it was used during Coldplay’s Wembley shows last summer to host DJs and live bands in the fanzone before each show, highlighting the band’s contribution to grassroots music.
‘The grassroots music sector is the foundation of the UK’s cultural and musical ecosystem,’ says d&b audiotechnik UK MD, Stephen Hogg. ‘These small, local venues are where emerging artists, musicians and behind-the-scenes talent develop their skills, find their voice and build the connections that shape their future careers. As a technology provider, we at d&b have supported these spaces and young talent by offering system design, knowledge transfer and free training.
‘Partnering with Liveline now enables us to directly help amplify the message that greater support is essential if we want to secure the future of the grassroots music venues sector. Without vibrant grassroots stages today, there can be no headliners, no cultural innovation, and no big stages tomorrow.’
‘The Liveline Fund aims to reignite the UK touring circuit, strengthening the pipeline that connects grassroots venues, artists and promoters across the country’ says George Fleming, founder of Save Our Scene. ‘Having a partner of d&b’s stature onboard is a powerful signal of how vital grassroots music is to the entire live ecosystem. d&b power some of the biggest shows in the world and they understand that global success is only possible when there is a thriving grassroots network beneath it. Together with d&b and Music Venue Trust, we’re excited to demonstrate the real impact Liveline can have across the sector.’
The d&b UK team will be present at MVT’s Venues Day in London on 17 March to talk directly with venue owners and the wider grassroots sector.
More: https://livelinefund.uk