GigRealm Team Up with Uber to Provide Safe Transport Home for Working Musicians

11 December 2023 - Press release

 

GigRealm, the leading platform for helping venues in the hospitality sector book artists and promote live music, has announced a unique collaboration with Uber, which will offer free rides to help musicians get home safely after performing live shows around the UK. 

This initiative will enable the thousands of pubs, bars and other hospitality venues who currently use the GigRealm platform and who are seeing a major resurgence of interest in live music performances throughout the country, to provide free trips  to the musicians who perform for their customers.

The hospitality sector continues to recognise the vital importance of live music in driving footfall and revenues, a fact borne out in a survey commissioned by Nielsen IQ on behalf of GigRealm earlier this year, which found that 78% of consumers are more likely to visit a pub, bar or similar venue if it offers live music. This new initiative also recognises the fact that musicians are often finishing their performances late at night and require safe transport home. 

GigRealm was founded in 2016 by Tom Brady and Reuben Narey to protect and enhance two vital industries in the UK: live music and hospitality. The platform exists in order to bring the two industries closer together and provide all the tools needed to put on live music with ease. It does this while protecting musicians, ensuring they are paid via its innovative smart contract system, while gaining experience and exposure.

Tom Brady, CEO of GigRealm said, “We are delighted to be working with Uber and applaud them for recognising the challenges musicians face, particularly when travelling to and from performances in new locations or late at night. By offering free Uber credits to acts that book shows through GigRelam, we aim to alleviate some of the logistical and financial burdens they encounter, ensuring hey can concentrate on what they do best – delivering outstanding live performances. This initiative is particularly crucial for supporting the safety of women and LGBTQIA+ entertainers, who may be more vulnerable late at night, especially in unfamiliar towns and cities. It also aids our venues and operators we work with, in building stronger relationships with their acts by offering free credits that don’t add to their overheads and costs.”

Andrew Brem, Uber’s UK General Manager said, “Uber is thrilled to partner with GigRealm to help support entertainers get home safely after gigs. Safety is a key focus for us, and with millions of trips taking place every day, we want to help everyone get home as safely as possible.”

Emma McClarkin OBE, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) adds, “Pubs are increasingly recognising the value of live performances, particularly live music, in attracting customers and creating unique experiences. This initiative will benefit performers and assist pubs in building strong relationships with them, ultimately enhancing the live music ecosystem and benefiting the high street.”