Brownbear frontman lets fans 'pay what they can afford' at gigs

Brownbear frontman Matt Hickman has brought in a ‘pay what you can afford’ entry fee for his shows to try and stop music-lovers being priced out of attending concerts.

The singer believes that with tickets for the some shows selling for three-figure sums, giving punters the option to pay what they can is a way to keep the local scene thriving.

Matt explained: “We brought this in because we want to make sure people still have access to music in these tough times.

“It’s becoming a really popular trend among musicians because it allows their fans to place their own value on the experience.

“The average price of tickets at big venues is creeping up to almost £100, which is making people decide on what one gig they want to see a year, instead of one a month or one every few months.

“I fear that people are being priced out of music at the moment and we need to combat that."

After a two year hiatus, Matt admits he is delighted to be travelling up and down the country performing for thousands every month.

He said: “It’s been great to be back out on the road again.

“We have to get people back out and supporting their local artists.

“I love doing venues like the Harbour Arts Centre in Irvine, and hopefully one day I’ll get to play the Vikingar in Largs.”

Matt is currently finishing his second album, which is set to be released next year.

He added: “It’s been really difficult, not just getting songs together, but also finding the funding to produce a second album.

“We spent two years not being able to make a living as a band so we’ve had a lot of support from other organisations to get us back on our feet.

“I’m just so happy to be touring and doing what I love best.”

Brownbear will play Irvine’s Harbour Arts Centre on November 17. Tickets can be bought at www.ticketsource.co.uk/harbour-arts-centre/brownbear/e-rkqaml

The band’s new single, Close Call, can be heard on all major streaming services.