Live music

The Molotovs: 'We kind of created a scene from nothing'
Interview

The Molotovs: 'We kind of created a scene from nothing'

They're still in their teens, but siblings Issey and Mathew Cartlidge of The Molotovs know exactly where they want to be – and that's not in a maths class
The Roundhouse's 'critically important' role in punk: From The Ramones to making change in 2026
The Roundhouse CEO and artistic director Marcus Davey
Changemakers 2026

The Roundhouse's 'critically important' role in punk: From The Ramones to making change in 2026

The Cribs: 'It's difficult for working-class people to get into music now – there's so little money in it'
Music

The Cribs: 'It's difficult for working-class people to get into music now – there's so little money in it'

The brass band bringing the cracking tunes of Wallace & Gromit to life
Music

The brass band bringing the cracking tunes of Wallace & Gromit to life

Oasis might've reformed for the money – but who can blame them?
Oasis

Oasis might've reformed for the money – but who can blame them?

Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
I bought Brixton Academy for £1
Live music

I bought Brixton Academy for £1

Before Oasis, Radio 1 were as likely to play a guitar band as they were a badger being strangled
Oasis

Before Oasis, Radio 1 were as likely to play a guitar band as they were a badger being strangled

End of the Road founder on the secret to a good festival and the act you can't afford to miss in 2025
Music festivals

End of the Road founder on the secret to a good festival and the act you can't afford to miss in 2025

I couldn't find a decent music festival – so I created my own
Jess Lardner

I couldn't find a decent music festival – so I created my own

'We get communities dancing': How Bradford's brass heritage still brings people together
Music

'We get communities dancing': How Bradford's brass heritage still brings people together

'The record is a snapshot': Inside Billy Mahonie’s unlikely comeback and the evolution of post-rock
Billy Mahonie live on stage
Music

'The record is a snapshot': Inside Billy Mahonie’s unlikely comeback and the evolution of post-rock

Loud music ruined my ears – but it doesn't mean I can't still enjoy a Mogwai gig
Music

Loud music ruined my ears – but it doesn't mean I can't still enjoy a Mogwai gig

Independent venues are the backbone of the live music scene – we must look after them
Sybil Bell

Independent venues are the backbone of the live music scene – we must look after them

Plea to save UK's grassroots music venues as hundreds face closure: 'We'll all be poorer for it'
Images of musicians performing live in Hot Box, Chelmsford
Grassroots music venues

Plea to save UK's grassroots music venues as hundreds face closure: 'We'll all be poorer for it'

Big Issue's Changemakers of 2025: Culture and sport
Changemakers 2025

Big Issue's Changemakers of 2025: Culture and sport

Bingo and karaoke with Barry from EastEnders: How the UK's entertainment economy is changing
Entertainment

Bingo and karaoke with Barry from EastEnders: How the UK's entertainment economy is changing

Husband and wife Big Issue vendors: 'Just treat people how you want to be treated'
Our vendors

Husband and wife Big Issue vendors: 'Just treat people how you want to be treated'

'The Jazz Bar is too important to fail' says the couple who saved an Edinburgh institution
Venue Watch

'The Jazz Bar is too important to fail' says the couple who saved an Edinburgh institution

From 00s pop to cutting-edge electronica: Here's the best UK music festivals in summer 2024
Festival guide

From 00s pop to cutting-edge electronica: Here's the best UK music festivals in summer 2024

'When I was mentally ill, I could only listen to hard techno': Why is music so important to us?
Music

'When I was mentally ill, I could only listen to hard techno': Why is music so important to us?

Take it from me, going to gigs by yourself is liberating and life-affirming
Malcolm Jack

Take it from me, going to gigs by yourself is liberating and life-affirming

Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
'Against the odds': How the Lubber Fiend made Newcastle's music scene exciting again
a young woman performs on stage at The Lubber Fiend in Newcastle
Venue Watch

'Against the odds': How the Lubber Fiend made Newcastle's music scene exciting again

'This is not the end': Experimental arts venue Iklectik fights to survive after shock eviction
Female experimental musician plays at Iklectik
Venue Watch

'This is not the end': Experimental arts venue Iklectik fights to survive after shock eviction

This grassroots venue brings 'astonishing' music and mental wellbeing to rural Wales
Tivoli grassroots venue north Wales - Martin Kemp onstage pointing at the crowd
Venue Watch

This grassroots venue brings 'astonishing' music and mental wellbeing to rural Wales

Grassroots venue Off the Cuff is home to UK's biggest youth open mic – and it needs your help
Band Hardillica have been performing at JOM for 2 years. Drummer Malachi has been performing as a solo drummer at JOM since 2019. His cousin Saffiyah is on vocals. Photo by Rod Main
Venue Watch

Grassroots venue Off the Cuff is home to UK's biggest youth open mic – and it needs your help