Music can be used in many different ways at live music venues and events.

Whether you’re staging music events at festivals, concert halls or other performances at live music venues, or playing background music in foyers, food and beverage areas you’ll usually need TheMusicLicence.

By obtaining TheMusicLicence you’ll be able to play PRS for Music and PPL music legally and enjoy its benefits whilst ensuring that its creators are fairly rewarded for their work


Get TheMusicLicence Button

Background Music Live event

The power of background music

Whether you’re playing background music in event foyers, food and beverage or staff areas, background music at festivals and live events has the potential enhance the experience and create an atmosphere that people enjoy. Your background music choices can create that ‘feel good’ mood and encourage visitors to stay, and return!

Find out more about the power of background music for live events…

Existing customers / TheMusicLicence Review

If you already have TheMusicLicence, you may be aware that your account is reviewed each year.

It is important for us to review your account so that we can accurately determine the cost of your licence and ensure we are aware of any changes to how you use music on your premises.

If you know your review date is approaching or already have been contacted by a member of the Live Team about your review, please complete the Live Music Review Form and return to your Account Manager. If you do not have an account manager, please return your form to livemusic@pplprs.co.uk upon completion.

Notice to customers regarding the implementation of a Modified Tariff LP.

You may be aware that on 15 May 2018 the Copyright Tribunal approved the terms of a Modified PRS Tariff LP – the tariff under which PPL PRS Ltd licenses “light and popular” live music events. Tariff LP events for which the General Sale of tickets begins on or after 11 June 2018 will therefore be licensed under the Modified Tariff LP terms. For more information on the consultation tribunal please visit the PRS for Music website.

Further information on how the changes may affect you can be found below.

How is my music licence cost calculated?

The cost of TheMusicLicence varies depending on the specific characteristics of each live event or venue, so please contact us for a quote. Before doing so, please ensure you’ve read our Music Licence Quote Checklist for each section that is applicable to you, and have the relevant information ready so we can provide an accurate quote for your live music event or concert music licence.

Quote Checklist

Live events

  • Number of events held per year
  • Capacity of these events

Specially featured entertainment events, e.g. DJs and dances

  • Number of events held per year
  • The duration, capacity and average attendance per event

Background music

  • The areas where music is used, such as in a café, bar or staff office areas
  • The square meterage of each area where music is audible
  • Type of devices used to play music, such as TV, radio, CDs etc.

Music videos

  • Number of TV screens music videos are played on

Understanding your music licence royalties

To help you understand how much TheMusicLicence could cost for your live music event you can view the individual PPL and PRS for Music tariffs that may be applicable to you.

PPL Tariffs
  • Background music in concert venues
  • Background music in pub, bars, restaurants and cafes
  • Music videos concert venues (VPL)
  • Specially featured entertainment
  • Single and casual events
PRS for Music Tariffs

Get TheMusicLicence for your business

Choose your venue type