Jeremy Pritchard of Everything Everything has joined Music Venue Trust (MVT) as a trustee, alongside new patrons Charlotte Hatherley, Slaves and The Anchoress.
The bassist is the first musician to represent his fellow artists as a trustee of the charity, which aims to protect, support and improve independent live music venues in the UK.
Speaking about his reasons for backing MVT, Pritchard said: 'Were it not for the presence of the Tunbridge Wells Forum while I was growing up, I very much doubt that I would be a professional musician now.
'The same would be said of countless other individuals who have been inspired and nurtured by similar community live music venues – Southampton Joiners, Bristol Thekla, Oxford Jericho, Manchester Night and Day, Hull Welly, Newcastle Cluny, etc.
'The UK music industry needs to do more to support its live grassroots, and government needs to recognise that the health and future prosperity of this important British Industry relies on us nurturing these seeds.”
The charity also announced several new patrons, with Charlotte Hatherley (formerly of Ash), Slaves and Catherine Anne Davies from The Anchoress showing their support.
Slaves said: 'Without grassroots venues, we would never be where we are. They are crucial for new bands in so many ways. Support your local venues!'
Hatherley said: 'I was 15 when I joined my first band and we played pretty much every small London rock venue. Many of those venues sadly no longer exist.
'Touring continues to be a major part of my life and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to support the Music Venue Trust in their vital work in protecting grassroots venues.'
The bassist is the first musician to represent his fellow artists as a trustee of the charity, which aims to protect, support and improve independent live music venues in the UK.
Speaking about his reasons for backing MVT, Pritchard said: 'Were it not for the presence of the Tunbridge Wells Forum while I was growing up, I very much doubt that I would be a professional musician now.
'The same would be said of countless other individuals who have been inspired and nurtured by similar community live music venues – Southampton Joiners, Bristol Thekla, Oxford Jericho, Manchester Night and Day, Hull Welly, Newcastle Cluny, etc.
'The UK music industry needs to do more to support its live grassroots, and government needs to recognise that the health and future prosperity of this important British Industry relies on us nurturing these seeds.”
The charity also announced several new patrons, with Charlotte Hatherley (formerly of Ash), Slaves and Catherine Anne Davies from The Anchoress showing their support.
Slaves said: 'Without grassroots venues, we would never be where we are. They are crucial for new bands in so many ways. Support your local venues!'
Hatherley said: 'I was 15 when I joined my first band and we played pretty much every small London rock venue. Many of those venues sadly no longer exist.
'Touring continues to be a major part of my life and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to support the Music Venue Trust in their vital work in protecting grassroots venues.'
