Live Nation pledges to give up merch cuts at clubs

Live Nation has announced “On The Road Again,” a new initiative aimed at supporting developing acts on tour. Named after Willie Nelson‘s 1980 hit, the program promises to suspend venue cuts of merchandise earnings and give artists an additional $1,500 stipend per show at more than 70 Live Nation-owned clubs across the United States and Canada. The policy starts today and will run through the end of 2023. The company has assured fans the project will be funded by its venues’ existing earnings and will come at no added cost to consumers.

“Touring is important to artists, so whatever we can do to help other artists, I think we should do it,” Nelson is quoted as saying on the program’s official website. “This program will impact thousands of artists this year and help make touring a little bit easier.”

Club merch cuts became a hot topic of debate earlier this month, inspired in part by an X thread from indie rock stalwart Jeff Rosenstock breaking down the percentages various venues on his recent tour took from his merchandise proceeds.

“Delivering for live artists is always our core mission,” Live Nation President and CEO Michael Rapino told Billboard. “The live music industry is continuing to grow, and as it does, we want to do everything we can to support artists at all levels on their touring journey especially the developing artists in clubs. Like Willie says, this is all about making it a little easier for thousands of artists to continue doing what they love: going out and playing for their fans.”