Increasing numbers of residential properties being built close to venues has resulted in noise abatement notices from local authorities, said the union. It is calling for a new 'agent of change principle' law that would mean property developers are obliged to soundproof their accommodation, rather than the venue being responsible for reducing potential noise disturbances.
John Smith, MU general secretary, said, "Venues must, of course, stick to the terms of their licence and residents must be able to complain if they do not comply or are causing a genuine nuisance. But equally, flats which are built above, adjacent or nearby to an existing music venue should not take precedent over an established institution."
God Rock - Peter Gabriel has been honoured at the annual Progressive Music Awards for a music career that has spanned five decades. The former Genesis singer picked up the 'prog god' award at the event at Shakespeare's Globe in London. Other winners on the night included Rick Wakeman, Dream Theater and Camel founder Andy Latimer.
After receiving his award from comedian Bill Bailey, Gabriel said, "Despite prog probably being the most derided musical genre of all time there were - as today - a lot of extraordinary musicians trying to break down the barriers to reject the rules of music..."It was genuinely pioneering at time. We didn't always get it right, but when it did work we could move people and get some magic happening. I see it all as a very healthy part of growing up."
Icon Award - Sir Tim Rice is to receive a special award for his contribution to music from music rights organisation BMI. The lyricist, best known for his theatrical collaborations with Andrew Lloyd Webber, will be presented with the Icon Award next month. The award is given to songwriters who have had an "indelible influence on generations of music makers". Previous recipients include Van Morrison, Bryan Ferry and Sex Pistols frontman John Lydon.
Macbeth in Mandarin - The Royal Shakespeare Company will receive £1.5m from the Department for Culture Media and Sport to translate the full works of Shakespeare into Mandarin, in an attempt to boost business and cultural links with China. The plans were announced as part of official talks between the government and Chinese vice president Ma Kai, and also include the translation of up to 14 seminal Chinese plays into English. Also announced was £300,000 of DCMS funding for the RSC to tour to China in 2016 as part of the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death.
Remembering Amy - A life-size bronze statue of singer Amy Winehouse has been unveiled in Camden, north London. The event, three years after her death, fell on what would have been her 31st birthday. Her father, Mitch Winehouse, said she was "in love with Camden" and it was the place fans associated with her. Created by sculptor Scott Eaton, the statue features the Back to Black star with her hand on hip and her trademark beehive hairdo.
Last Notes - A grim week in the songwriting sector: Bob Crewe, who co-wrote hits including Can't Take My Eyes Off You and Walk Like a Man, and was key to the success of the Four Seasons pop group, has died at the age of 83...Joe Sample, a founding member of The Crusaders who wrote chart hits such as Street Life and One Day I'll Fly Away sung by Randy Crawford, has died at 75...Robert 'Throb' Young, the guitarist who helped Primal Scream to rock
