Der Club-Euro: Ein Euro, der die Clubs rettet?

The current Berlin Club Study shows: Even though there is demand, clubs are no longer economically viable and, above all, have to turn down bookings that carry too much financial uncertainty. Clubs and promoters are increasingly under pressure due to rising costs, declining margins and an increasingly uncertain audience.

Across Europe, new funding models are therefore being discussed. In the UK, one euro from every major arena and stadium ticket already goes towards smaller venues. In Germany, the Bundesstiftung Livekultur has also presented an idea with the Live Music Fund, which was first discussed at Reeperbahn Festival last year: a (voluntary) solidarity contribution from the big players to support the smaller ones.

Reality has shown that, so far, enthusiasm for such a voluntary contribution among the major players in the industry has been limited. Clubs in Germany are therefore now considering following the example set by Cologne and introducing a solidarity euro within the club scene itself.

But is this the right way forward? Can one euro per ticket really secure the future of live culture in the long term – or is something else needed? Following an overview of international developments, voices from the club scene, live music and booking industry, cultural policy and cultural journalism will discuss whether the Club Euro is the step that can turn a good idea into a sustainable structure.