The MU has always been against pay to play, objecting to bands having to pay to get a gig.

However, since the formation of the MU's Gig Section, which has gathered together artists and local promoters, the union has accepted that some pay to play deals can be beneficial to musicians and promoters.

MU assistant general secretary Horace Trubridge says the union recognises these are tough times. "Unless you are an established artist, you're going to need to do deals ...