When tickets sold out, Michael and Emily Eavis posted a joint statement on Twitter saying: "We're genuinely humbled by the sheer number of people who would like to come to the festival and we dearly wish we could have you all along. Sadly, that just isn't possible, which means a significant number of people have missed out. Demand simply outstripped supply."
Live Advice - The Musicians' Union has released a handbook giving advice on how the Live Music Act will affect venues and performers. The Live Music Kit explains why the legislation, which came into effect last week, means that "many small venues" can now host live music without holding a music licence.
Venues in England and Wales with an alcohol licence are eligible to host live music between 8am and 11pm for an audience of fewer than 200 people for performances of amplified music, and no audience limit for performances of unamplified music.
The kit explains the benefits to small venues of putting on live music, how to source musicians, and the financial arrangements for hosting such an event. It also gives advice on promotion and health and safety.
John Smith, MU general secretary, said, "The Live Music Act signifies an exciting time for both venues and musicians, who can use the opportunity to work together to create a growing audience and profile, and long-term success. At a time when many working musicians are struggling, this exemption is great news because I am confident that it will bring about a real resurgence in live music in pubs and other small venues."
Blur Dates - Blur have announced three European dates next year, having hinted their recent Hyde Park gig would be their last. The band, who headlined the London 2012 Olympics closing concert on 12 August, will perform in Belgium, Spain and Portugal. In May, they will play one date in Porto and one in Barcelona as part of the Primavera Sound festival. Blur will also headline Rock Werchter in Belgium on 5 July 2013. Blur were honoured at this year's Brit Awards for their outstanding contribution to music.
No Shows - The planned theatre tour based on BBC TV show Top of the Pops has been cancelled due to poor ticket sales. Top of the Pops Live was due to tour the UK this autumn until spring 2013, beginning at the Congress Theatre in Eastbourne and visiting other venues including Woking's New Victoria Theatre, the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton and Liverpool Empire Theatre.
It was being produced by Derek Nicol and Paul Walden for Flying Entertainment, in association with BBC Worldwide, and directed by Gary Lloyd. In a statement, Derek Nicol, Flying Entertainment's joint managing director, said, "Ticket sales have so far been disappointing and we have taken the difficult decision to cancel the tour. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and wish to reassure anyone who has purchased a ticket that they can obtain a full refund from the point of purchase."
(Jim Evans)
