d&b Commits to Liveline Fund Supporting UK Grassroots Music
d&b Commits to Liveline Fund Supporting UK Grassroots Music
ISCVE Premium Supporting Member, d&b audiotechnik, has become the first audio manufacturer to commit regular support to the Liveline Fund, a new initiative created by the Music Venue Trust and Save Our Scene to help strengthen the UK’s grassroots music sector.
The partnership sees d&b become Liveline’s official audio partner, providing annual contributions to support the fund’s work. Liveline is a fully funded national touring programme designed to tackle some of the underlying challenges currently affecting grassroots touring across the UK.
As part of the collaboration, d&b has also supplied a sound system installed on the SOS Fire Truck, a vehicle converted with advanced show technology that travels around the UK highlighting the challenges facing grassroots music venues, artists and promoters.
The SOS Fire Truck has already played a high-profile role in raising awareness of the issue. During Coldplay’s Wembley shows last summer, the vehicle hosted DJs and live performances in the fan zone before each concert, drawing attention to the band’s support for grassroots music.
Stephen Hogg, Managing Director of d&b audiotechnik UK, commented:
“The grassroots music sector is the foundation of the UK’s cultural and musical ecosystem. These small, local venues are where emerging artists, musicians and behind-the-scenes talent develop their skills, find their voice and build the connections that shape their future careers.
“As a technology provider, we have long supported these spaces through system design, knowledge sharing and training. Partnering with Liveline now allows us to help amplify the message that stronger support is essential if we want to secure the future of grassroots music venues.”
The Liveline initiative comes at a particularly challenging time for the UK’s live music infrastructure. Rising operational costs, energy bills and business rates have placed many venues under significant pressure, while the ongoing cost-of-living crisis has affected audience spending. In 2025 alone, one in five jobs within grassroots music venues was lost, marking the largest workforce decline since Music Venue Trust began tracking the sector in 2014.
George Fleming, founder of Save Our Scene, said the programme aims to rebuild the touring pipeline that connects artists, venues and promoters across the country.
“The Liveline Fund aims to reignite the UK touring circuit and strengthen the pathway that links grassroots venues, artists and promoters.
“Having a partner of d&b’s stature involved sends a powerful message about the importance of grassroots music to the entire live ecosystem. d&b power some of the world’s biggest shows, and they understand that global success depends on a healthy grassroots network beneath it.”
