55 Best British Musicians Of All Time UK Artists

However, it was after she signed with Elton John’s label in the 1970s that her career skyrocketed her to absolute stardom. An early member of the BBC Singers, Judith Bingham went on to have an amazing career as a composer and mezzo-soprano singer. For her services to music, she has been appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire, which gives her an OBE designation after her name. In 1884, Frederick Delius was sent to the United States to manage an orange plantation in Florida. However, he had been influenced by the music he heard in Florida, and that helped shape the compositions he was going to become famous for creating.

Wherever you are in your career as a musician, you can access music career advice and events designed to assist you in developing your career. In response, 90 per cent of these agreed that protections should be in place to stop their work being used without permission or payment. “Our projects are all about supporting people with learning disabilities and autistic people to live the lives they choose. Matching people with volunteers who share their interests, so they can go to gigs, evening events, or simply hang out – as equals and as friends. Sure the first time might feel a bit awkward and weird, but isn’t it always? And then it was kind of okay after a while (let’s ignore our teenage years…) Once you’ve done it and experience all of the divinity of a solo gig you’ll feel free as a bird.

Oasis, Beyoncé, Dua Lipa, Coldplay, Lana Del Rey and Kendrick Lamar helped attract a record 24.7 million music tourists to concerts and festivals in the UK in 2025, new figures from UK Music reveal. Browse wedding bands in London, singers in London, saxophonists in London and jazz bands in London. Find wedding bands in Surrey, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool and across every county, or use the search above to find entertainment in your area. The site is for beginners, returning players and experienced musicians alike. I started Join My Band back in 2006 after struggling to find a simple, free and effective way to meet other musicians online.

Summer Nights at the Bandstand

The total UK music industry employment in 2024 hit a record 220,000 (full-time equivalent posts), rising two per cent from 216,000 in 2023. The UK music industry contributed a record-breaking £8billion to the economy in 2024, with employment rising to an all-time high of 220,000. Whether you love hanging out by the bar, need to be front row, prefer seats or want to leave a bit earlier to catch the last train – the world is your oyster! The experience is yours, you don’t need to coordinate with someone else, rely on them to enjoy the show as much as you are and have as much of a good time as you are. And frankly, if you took a chance on a new genre or new artist and it isn’t your vibe, you can just go home. Experience TOMORA live at London’s Roundhouse on 28 October 2026 as the groundbreaking new electronic duo bring their immersive sound to one of the capital’s most iconic venues.

Performing singles spamming across his career like ‘I wanna know’, ‘All The Things (Your Man Won’t Do)’ and ‘Stutter’. National treasure and singing sensation Jane McDonald is officially Living The Dream as she announces a brand-new UK tour and album for 2026. Celebrated contemporary composer and pianist Gibran Alcocer brings the Off Screen Tour to O2 Shepherds Bush Empire on Monday 12 October 2026. Dr John Cooper Clarke has announced a major UK tour for October and November 2026. Global Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh is bringing the AURA World Tour to London, Birmingham & Manchester this September. Courteeners have announced a massive one-off show at Manchester’s Wythenshawe Park next summer.

Live Bands for Hire Across the UK

Celebrate the vibrant sounds, stories, and rhythms of Latin music with a lineup of today’s hottest Latin artists and global stars. From reggaeton, regional Mexican music, and Latin trap to Latin pop, salsa, and bachata, discover the genres and performers shaping today’s live music scene. These include the impact of AI, the ongoing threat to grassroots music venues, the issues with touring as a UK act post-Brexit, and a slowing rate of economic growth in the industry. Additionally, there are concerns over the development of UK artists, and how it is taking longer for artists to break through. Here you can find selected shows across multiple music genres, from new album launch tours to watching your favourite band perform live, our gigs and tours guide has it all covered.

Bury Tomorrow bring their explosive live show to the UK in February 2027, with support from Stick To Your Guns, Windwaker and Elwood Stray. Don’t miss the metalcore heavyweights live in Glasgow, Nottingham and London. Bryson Tiller has announced The Neo Trapsoul Tour, with special guest Majid Jordan – coming to UK arenas in December 2026.

Julia Wolf is one of the most exciting rising voices in alternative pop, bringing her signature lyrics-first storytelling to Reading & Leeds Festival 2026. The NYC-based artist has built a powerful following through her raw, confessional songwriting, breaking through with viral hit “In My Room”, which continues to climb the Billboard Hot 100 and dominate streaming charts. The Canberra native brings his distinct blend of rap, punk, funk indie rock and hip hop to the UK on his ‘Redstar Wu’s Pirate Radio’ tour – get tickets. Singer-songwriter Déyyess, turning queer yearning into gut-punch pop, is on Ticketmaster’s FRESH List 2026, spotlighting ten of the most exciting new artists set to light up stages across the UK and beyond this year. Deaf Havana are heading out on tour this autumn, joined by special guests The Dangerous Summer.

• Find the perfect gig for you – from electronic to pop icons, from mosh pits to raves, we have it all under one roof.
• It’s a full‑on day out where the excitement of horse racing builds the buzz – then the lights go up, the crowd roars, and a big‑name artist takes the stage to turn it into an epic live music event.
• She has also announced her fourth album Hades with singles ‘POSSESSION’ and ‘DISNEY PRINCESS’.

In celebration of his new album, Roger Taylor will be taking ‘Violence insane in a beautiful world’ on tour this September across the UK. Performing ‘XTRMNTR’ in its entirety, Primal Scream return in Sep 2026 with a UK tour. Phoebe Bridgers has confirmed The Lost Tour, coming to UK shores later this year with very special guest Isaac Wood. Midge Ure has shape shifted his way through the UK music scene for 35+ years.

From individual music sector musicians for corporate functions to touring abroad and advice for music users, we’ve got you covered. The new UK Music report stated that recording studios were under pressure too, saying that the cost of recording and touring for grassroots music creators was especially tough. Despite highlighting the huge contribution the UK music industry made to the economy, Kiehl and Cooper warned of some of the “real challenges” the sector is currently facing, per the new report.

Experience the latest and greatest in musical theatre in London’s iconic West End. The ‘Pass Out’ rapper will perform a headline tour across the UK – catch Tinie Tempah on his “The Night’s Not Dead” Tour this winter. With over two decades of era defining indie rock, The Strokes return with new Reality Awaits tour.

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Every act has a detailed profile with photos, audio, video and reviews from previous clients, so you can compare and contact acts directly. Do you need to find someone with a specialist skill for a gig, session or perhaps for a teaching role? Search our database to find local musicians of variety of skills and experience. The MU represents and advises musicians working across the music industry.

Evanescence are back for 2026 with shows in Manchester, Cardiff, Leeds, Birmingham and London. Joined by special guest Poppy, this show promises a night of dark brilliance, huge vocals, and pure rock spectacle. Dance Gavin Dance return to the UK this year with special guests As December Falls. Craig David is celebrating his debut album ‘Born To Do It’ for it’s 25th anniversary. Carpenter Brut brings his cinematic, synth‑driven assault to the UK this November, delivering a high‑octane fusion of darkwave, metal and outrun electronics. Expect pounding beats, neon‑soaked atmosphere and a relentless live show built for pure adrenaline.

British rock band The Temperance Movement return with their Let It All Out Tour 2026, bringing their signature blues-rock sound and electrifying live show to stages across the UK. The Darkness announce biggest tour in over 20 years for the tail end of 2026, bringing their beloved falsetto-laden rock to arenas across the UK. The seminal radio show, live experience and brand known for breaking acts such as Joe Kay, Sango, Xavier Omar, Masego and Kaytranada is celebrating 15 years of music with an outdoor show.

He considered his work to be heavily influenced by non-British artists, and this influence allowed him to create unique compositions that experienced a revival in popularity long after his death. Queen Elizabeth II appointed Judith Weir as Master of the King’s Music in 2014, marking the first time a woman has held this position. She is an internationally celebrated composer, most known for the mysterious sound she brings to her operas. With stage and film credits galore, this queen of musical theater spent several decades capturing the hearts of young and old alike with her cheerful disposition and beautiful voice. Ringo Starr was the drumming heartbeat of The Beatles, even writing a few of their biggest hits. Since then, he has gone on to have a remarkable career in music and has been inducted, along with his fellow The Beatles members, into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Placebo are marking 30 years in style – performing iconic tracks from Placebo and Without You I’m Nothing on a special anniversary tour this winter. DJ, broadcaster and global dance music artist Pete Tong has announced the return of his critically acclaimed Ibiza Classics show for Summer 2026. Considered the father of UK neo soul, Omar brings his “Brighter The Days” tour across the UK, alongside headline shows at Boisdale Canary Wharf and Soul Mama Stratford. The R&B crooner known for his lyrics on love, and blend of Afrobeats and soulful sounds, will open for Kehlani and Summer Walker on their 2026 tours. Lemonheads are heading around the UK on tour this autumn, with support from Willie Mason. Ladytron are an influential electronic / synth‑pop band from Liverpool, and have been active since the late 1990s.