Wolf Alice’s Ellie Rowsell Urges Support for Grassroots Music Venues in BRITs Best Group Speech

Ellie Rowsell highlights the vital need to protect grassroots music venues during Wolf Alice’s Best British Group acceptance at the 2026 BRIT Awards.

A Night to Remember: Wolf Alice Triumphs at the 2026 BRITs

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of seeing one of your favorite bands take home a prestigious award—and that’s exactly what happened when Wolf Alice snagged the Best British Group title at the 2026 BRIT Awards. Held on February 28 at the buzzing Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, the moment felt electric for fans and musicians alike. This marked Wolf Alice’s second time winning the prize, the first being in 2022, further cementing their place in the UK music scene.

Frontwoman Ellie Rowsell stepped up to the mic with a heartfelt and powerful message that went beyond just thanking fans and friends. Instead, she used the spotlight to shine on a cause close to many musicians' hearts: the survival and support of grassroots music venues across the UK.

Paying Tribute to Grassroots Venues: The Lifeblood of UK Music

If you’ve ever caught a show in an intimate pub or club where the walls practically vibrate with raw energy, you know the magic of grassroots venues. Ellie Rowsell captured this sentiment perfectly in her acceptance speech.

“We’d like to also thank all of the pubs and clubs and grassroots venues across the country where we quite literally learned to play our instruments and write our songs,” she said earnestly. “Thank you for opening your doors to us and thank you to those who continue the fight to keep them open.”

This shoutout wasn’t just lip service. Ellie pointed out the staggering truth behind these venues’ struggles. A report from January 2026 revealed that in the preceding 12 months, 30 independent venues had shuttered, with an additional 48 ceasing operations as live spaces. To put a human face on the crisis, some 6,000 jobs were lost, and over half of small venues reported zero profit, despite the live music sector pumping billions into the economy.

“It’s worth mentioning that despite the billions of pounds the live sector contributes to our economy, last year 30 independent venues closed down, 6,000 jobs were lost and over half the small venues reported making no profit at all,” Ellie emphasized.

Why Grassroots Venues Matter More Than Ever

Ellie’s words hit home because grassroots venues aren’t just buildings—they’re the training grounds, the safe havens, and the launchpads for countless artists. They’re the places where budding musicians cut their teeth, experiment, and find their voice without the pressure of huge crowds or massive budgets.

Reflecting on her band’s journey, Ellie voiced a wish for a more equitable music landscape: “It shouldn’t be a battle to survive for bands and artists, we shouldn’t be reliant on favours or anyone funding schemes in order to do things at a level we feel proud of. It shouldn’t feel like a golden ticket, but a viable career decision for anyone from any background.”

This is a call for fairness and accessibility—a plea for the music industry to nurture talent regardless of where it comes from, empowering artists to pursue their passion without barriers.

“Because you only have to look around us today and see how proud we are of Britain’s musical contribution and how important it is to nurture and protect the UK’s amazing music scene,” Ellie concluded, leaving the crowd with a powerful reminder of what’s truly at stake.

The Music and Impact of Wolf Alice Today

For the uninitiated, Wolf Alice is no stranger to evolution and reinvention. Their fourth album, The Clearing, dropped last year to rave reviews, with critics and fans alike applauding its rich soundscapes and raw emotionality. The album secured the Number 11 spot on a prominent end-of-year best albums list, while the single “Bloom Baby Bloom” made waves, landing at Number 12 on the best songs countdown.

But Wolf Alice isn’t just about studio success—they’re notorious for their electrifying live performances. This summer, the band is set for a massive outdoor gig at London’s Finsbury Park, their biggest yet, sharing the stage with exciting acts like The Last Dinner Party, Lykke Li, Rachel Chinouriri, Keo, and Florence Road.

Wolf Alice also has a packed schedule ahead, headlining the ‘Trans Mission’ charity show at London’s OVO Arena Wembley, and leading the renowned Teenage Cancer Trust series at the Royal Albert Hall. Festival appearances include Tramlines Festival, Kendal Calling, Eden Sessions, TRNSMT, Mad Cool, and NOS Alive—proof that they’re very much at the heart of the UK’s live music scene.

Keep the Music Alive: The Fight Continues

Ellie Rowsell’s speech at the BRITs wasn’t just a moment of celebration—it was a clarion call for everyone who loves music to rally behind the grassroots venues that make it all possible. In an era where digital streaming dominates, and big arenas steal the spotlight, these small venues remain the heartbeats of authentic musical discovery.

The message is clear: without support for these venues, the next generation of artists may never find a stage to call their own. Wolf Alice’s plea encourages fans, policymakers, and industry players alike to recognize that protecting these spaces means preserving the future of music itself.

“It shouldn’t be a battle to survive for bands and artists… It shouldn’t feel like a golden ticket, but a viable career decision for anyone from any background.”
— Ellie Rowsell

FAQ

• What did Wolf Alice win at the 2026 BRIT Awards?
  Wolf Alice won the Best British Group award, marking their second time receiving this honor since 2022.
• What issue did Ellie Rowsell highlight in her acceptance speech?
  Ellie urged support for grassroots music venues, highlighting the alarming number of closures and financial struggles they face.
• How many grassroots venues closed in the UK recently?
  In the 12 months leading up to July 2025, 30 independent venues closed, and another 48 stopped functioning as gig spaces.
• What is the significance of grassroots music venues?
  They are vital spaces where emerging artists learn, perform, and develop their craft, often serving as the foundation of the music industry.
• What upcoming events will Wolf Alice perform at?
  Wolf Alice is set to play a major show at London’s Finsbury Park, headline charity concerts, and appear at festivals such as Tramlines, Kendal Calling, TRNSMT, and Mad Cool.

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