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Music Licences for Live Events

Live Music: Supporting Musicians and Creating Memorable Experiences

Live music plays a vital role not only in supporting musicians and bands but also as one of the most popular recreational activities for both Irish audiences and visitors from abroad.

By obtaining an IMRO licence for live music at your venue, you ensure that you can legally continue hosting unforgettable performances for your customers, while also guaranteeing that the talented creators behind the music receive fair compensation for their work.

IMRO offers a range of live music tariffs tailored to suit the specific needs of live music venues and promoters.

Please note that PPI tariffs apply when recorded copyright music is played during live events—such as background music between acts (Tariff 41a), or when recorded music is part of a live performance (Tariff 41b). IMRO handles the issuance of these licences on behalf of PPI.

For more information about our live music licensing tariffs, please contact our Live Music Licensing Department at 01 644 8030 or hollie.delahan@imro.ie

Licensing for Live Events

IMRO Live Event Tariffs and Licence

  • In the context of live events with paid admission, ultimate liability for licensing and royalty payments—such as those owed to performance rights organisations (PROs) like IMRO, can depend on the specific contracts in place. However, by default (legally speaking), the primary liability typically falls on the proprietor of the premises.

    That said, promoters of live events and festivals may assume liability—either explicitly through contractual agreements or implicitly when they take on full control of the event, including ticketing, production, and programming. In such cases, PROs may hold the promoter liable as the effective operator of the performance space. This is especially relevant when events are held in non-traditional venues or temporary spaces (e.g., outdoor festivals), where the promoter is the primary organising entity and not merely a tenant or service provider.

  • If you operate a venue hosting any of the following types of events, you will need a licence from IMRO:
    • Concert Tariff (LP): For all ticketed live music events
    • Festival Tariff (MS): For multi-stage music and arts ticketed festivals
    • Classical Tariff (LC): For ticketed classical music concerts
    • Variety Tariff (VT): For ticketed theatrical presentations, stage plays, or variety shows where music is performed
    As part of the licence, you’ll need to declare the ticket sales revenue to IMRO for each event and pay the applicable royalty percentage outlined in the relevant tariff. You will also be required to provide a setlist of all music performed during the event. If the event organiser already holds a Concert (Permit) Licence from IMRO, the venue owner does not need to obtain a separate licence, provided the organiser pays all royalties due. Otherwise, the venue owner remains responsible for securing the licence. By obtaining your licence before the event, you can benefit from Licenced Rates, which are up to 50% lower than the UnLicenced Rates. Once you sign up for a Concert Licence, you’ll be assigned a dedicated account manager from our Live Licensing team, ready to assist you with any questions or support you may need.

Licensing for Variety and Theatrical shows

  • The IMRO Variety and Theatrical (VT) Tariff applies to performances of copyright music in theatrical presentations, stage plays, and variety shows where admission is by ticket or subscription.

    • Theatrical presentations include scripted stage plays and dramatic performances.
    • Variety shows are live entertainment events featuring a mix of acts such as music, comedy, dance, or other performances.

    This licence does not apply to events held at venues with no admission charge.

    You must apply for a licence in advance of the performance.

    The royalty fee for each event is calculated based on ticket sales, as detailed in section 5.2.1 of the VT tariff. You are required to submit a Box Office Return, which reports ticket revenue (a template can be provided), along with a detailed programme or setlist of all music performed, including the duration of each musical work and the overall performance time (excluding intervals).

    If IMRO is satisfied that music within its repertoire makes up less than 80% of the total performance time, a discount on the royalty rate may apply (see sections 5.2.2 and 6.2 of the VT tariff).

    For licence applications or further details, please contact hollie.delahan@imro.ie.

Get your Live Music Licence
Pay In Live Events (Tariff LP)

How live music licensing works

Step 1:

The Band

Here’s the band, busy sound checking for their headline gig tonight at Venue X.

They’ve placed their setlist on the floor so they can easily follow it during the performance.

The Venue Manager
Step 2:

The Venue Manager

Meet Jazz, the venue manager at Venue X. She’s been working closely with the stage crew for six months. Part of her role is to ensure the band’s setlist is sent back to IMRO.

This information is essential – without it, IMRO wouldn’t be able to fairly distribute royalties to the songwriters and composers whose music was performed. Jazz simply takes a photo or records the setlist details and emails them to setlists@imro.ie

IMRO Rep
Step 3:

The IMRO Representative

This is Frank, who oversees setlist collection at IMRO. Once the venue or promoter pays their licence fee, Frank and his team match the payment to the specific songs performed that night, based on the setlist provided.

The Band
Step 4:

The Band (Again!)

Here’s the band back in the studio, working on their upcoming EP.

They’ve just received a royalty payment from IMRO for their live performances, including the gig at Venue X.

These funds help cover production, mastering, promotion  – everything they need to keep creating great music and making a living from their craft.

The Songwriter
Step 5:

The Songwriter

Finally, meet Steven, a songwriter whose song the band played during their set. Although Steven wasn’t at the gig, he’s just received a royalty payment from IMRO for the public performance of his song.

This income helps support his upcoming tour plans – and he’s even considering checking out the venue that appeared on his royalty statement!