The practice of merch cuts, in which venues take a proportion of a band’s merchandise sales, made repeated headlines in 2023. In March, French avant-garde metal artist Igorrr refused to sell merch at the O2 Forum Kentish Town in London, claiming the venue was asking for a 25% cut.
British prog-metallers Monuments took the same stance at a venue in Athens, citing 18% concessions combined with 24% VAT. Architects drummer Dan Searle tweeted: “Hey bands when are we gonna go on strike and get rid of these insane venue merch cuts?”
