Only The Poets Announce £1 Tickets for Brixton Academy Gig Supporting LIVE Trust

Only The Poets are bringing back £1 ticket prices for their Brixton Academy show, helping grassroots music thrive with every sale.

A £1 Ticket at Brixton Academy? Only The Poets Make It Happen

Imagine snagging a ticket to a legendary London venue for just a single pound — sounds like a dream, right? Well, Only The Poets are turning that dream into reality. This Reading-based four-piece is set to make history by becoming the first band ever to offer £1 tickets at London’s iconic O2 Academy Brixton. The gig is scheduled for February 2, 2026, just days after their debut album And I’d Do It Again drops on January 30.

Only The Poets bring back £1 tickets for Brixton Academy

This flashback to their roots isn’t just a nostalgic gesture. Back when they played their very first gig seven years ago, £1 was the entry fee, reflecting the early days when they only had a handful of songs. Fast forward to now, they want to keep that spirit alive and make their show as accessible as possible, proving that live music doesn’t have to break the bank.

Why The £1 Gig Matters: A Community Effort

Their decision is more than just fan service. It’s a powerful collaboration with the LIVE Trust, an initiative dedicated to supporting and protecting the grassroots live music scene in the UK. For every ticket sold, an additional £1 will be donated to the trust. This means every fan’s attendance helps preserve the venues and opportunities that make music magic happen at the ground level.

Tickets go on pre-sale on Thursday, September 11, with general sale opening the next day at 10 AM. If you want to be part of this special night, you can grab your ticket here.

A Glimpse Into the Band’s Mindset

“We charged £1 for our first ever gig — back then we only had a couple of songs, so anything more felt like too much for us. We wouldn’t have been able to see half the gigs we went to if ticket prices were what they are now, so we wanted to make sure that this show was open to everyone.”

Tommy Longhurst, Frontman of Only The Poets

Guitarist Clem Cherry chimed in, emphasizing the vibe their shows have become known for:

“Our fans know our shows are a safe space. This is about making sure anybody can come and have an amazing night in an iconic venue. It’s also a thank you to everyone who’s supported us to this point.”

Clem Cherry, Guitarist of Only The Poets

Support for LIVE Trust: Why It’s Crucial Now

Jon Collins, the CEO of LIVE Trust, praised Only The Poets’ move, highlighting how it benefits more than just the band’s followers:

“This is a wonderful, positive move by Only the Poets, giving back to the grassroots while giving back to their fans. Making this show accessible to all means everyone can enjoy the associated mental health, communal, and emotional benefits.”

The LIVE Trust uses funds to directly support artists, venues, promoters, festivals, and more within the grassroots ecosystem across the UK. It’s heartening to see a young band like Only The Poets stepping up, especially alongside giants like Biffy Clyro and My Chemical Romance, who also back the trust at their massive arena shows.

The Bigger Picture: The £1 Ticket Levy Campaign

This initiative aligns perfectly with the wider movement to save grassroots music venues. The £1 ticket levy campaign, launched by the Music Venue Trust, emerged in response to a devastating reality: 2023 saw 125 grassroots music venues close, averaging two every week. The levy proposes that £1 from every ticket sold at arenas and larger venues be redirected to help these small but vital spaces thrive.

The concept gained traction in 2024, with government backing arriving in November. It’s modeled after similar ticket levies in sports, like the Premier League, and is already in use in several European countries.

Challenges Facing UK Grassroots Acts

It’s staggering to learn that over 70% of independent UK acts have never toured, and 84% of unsigned artists simply cannot afford to hit the road. Many of these musicians make less than minimum wage when they do perform live. Wolf Alice’s Joff Oddie warned the music scene risks turning into “a middle and upper-class sport” if support doesn’t improve.

Even Prime Minister Keir Starmer has voiced support for the levy:

“I’m very supportive of this initiative, the £1 levy going back into grassroots [venues], because so much of our music is grassroots… It’s obviously where a lot of musicians start off, and therefore I’m hugely supportive of it.”

Major Artists Backing the Cause

The £1 levy isn’t just a grassroots plea; it’s embraced by big names too. Sam Fender, Coldplay, Katy Perry, and Mumford & Sons have all adopted the initiative, donating £1 from their ticket sales to support the LIVE Trust. In fact, Fender’s recent tour alone raised over £100,000 for grassroots venues, a heartening sign of solidarity across the music spectrum.

Only The Poets’ ‘And I’d Do It Again’: The Album Ahead of the Gig

Set to drop just days before their Brixton show, And I’d Do It Again marks an important milestone for the band. It’s a culmination of their growth over seven years and a testament to their dedication to authentic, accessible music.

Check out the visualizer for their track Saké from the album below:

Final Thoughts: A Night to Remember, A Movement to Support

Only The Poets’ decision to offer £1 tickets at Brixton Academy isn’t just a concert announcement — it’s a statement. It’s about remembering where they started, making live music accessible, and supporting the lifeblood of the UK’s music culture: grassroots venues and artists. When you buy a ticket, you’re not just getting in the door; you’re joining a wider movement to keep music alive for everyone.

FAQ

• How much are tickets for Only The Poets’ Brixton Academy gig?
  Tickets are priced at just £1 each, matching what the band charged for their very first gig.
• What is the LIVE Trust?
  LIVE Trust is an initiative that supports grassroots live music venues, artists, and promoters across the UK.
• When is the Only The Poets Brixton Academy gig?
  The gig is set for February 2, 2026.
• How does the £1 ticket levy help grassroots music?
  One pound from every ticket sold at larger venues is donated to support small music venues and grassroots artists.
• Can I preorder Only The Poets’ debut album?
  Yes! Their debut album And I’d Do It Again releases on January 30, 2026, and is available for pre-order and pre-save online.

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