Sam Fender has handed over the complete sum of his twenty-five thousand pound Mercury Prize winnings to the Music Venues Trust, which operates to save the UK's small live music spots.
Fender was given the prize on 16 October as his latest record the album was declared the top album of the last 12 months.
The musician has chosen to donate the funds to the Music Venues Trust, in recognition of the essential function small stages fulfilled in his early career.
"I personally would not have achieved what I am doing today if it weren't for all the performances I played around the North East, and beyond, when I was beginning," said Sam Fender. "These spaces are iconic, but they are facing challenges."
Beginning in 2023, more than 150 of these spaces have shut down – approximately one-sixth of the entire UK sector.
In the last year, top acts including Pulp, Coldplay, the singer Katy Perry and Ed Sheeran have all supported the MVT in its initiatives to keep the scene afloat, by applying a minor surcharge to their admission fees, which goes to help smaller concert halls.
Fender also took part, collecting in excess of £100,000 on his recent tour to assist 38 local spots across England, Scotland, and Wales.
These funds supported locations that were dealing with imminent closure due to challenges caused by water damage, fires and family tragedies, as well as permit problems, court cases and sound issues.
Additional spaces obtained monetary aid in upgrading facilities and gear that helped artists and fans.
"The notion that funds from concerts in big venues supports the independent spots, where it begins for musicians like me, is just common sense," Sam Fender has stated.
He is far from the only musician to give his award funds to charitable organizations.
Back when they won the award in the year 1996 for their album Different Class, lead singer the singer declared that the act would contribute their prize money to the charity War Child.
That year, artist Ms Dynamite split her prize among multiple organizations, including the children's charity and a Sickle Cell organization.
"I also contributed a £1,000 to the center, to their classes, because I practiced gymnastics when I was growing up and they needed updated gear," Ms Dynamite shared with the media.
Two years ago, the band gave their funds to the local youth club that nurtured their act, in addition to other grassroots music organisations.
Additionally the 1994 recipients they donated their award to a MS organization after a friend was identified with the condition.
"The victory was quite enough," said singer the singer. "The cash was the extra but we didn't need the bonus, because we had the cake. So our winning affected another person's life."
Recently, the Music Venues Trust revealed it had protected several small stages in the South East, by placing them under community ownership.
The Joiners in Southampton and the other in that location were purchased under the Own Our Venues initiative, which is supported by Arts Council England and enthusiasts who purchase "shares" in the venues.
