Marshall has announced the launch of the Made of Loud Tour, a new live music initiative that combines touring, venue investment and community support to champion the independent venues and local music scenes that keep live music alive.
The initiative comes at a time when grassroots venues continue to face significant challenges. According to Music Venue Trust's Annual Report 2025, 30 grassroots music venues permanently closed during the year, while 175 towns and cities across the UK no longer receive regular touring shows by professional artists, highlighting the pressures facing the spaces where new artists develop and music communities are built.
Taking place across 16 independent venues, the tour will feature Marshall Records artists Cancer Bats and Knives, joined by Ignite.
Launching alongside Cancer Bats' new album ‘Give Me Dirt’ and coinciding with the 10th anniversary of Marshall Records, the tour has been designed to bring live music directly to fans while creating lasting value for the venues, artists and communities that make grassroots music possible.
At the heart of the initiative is direct investment in independent venues. Marshall is funding venue led improvement projects, working directly with venue owners to identify enhancements that will deliver long-term benefits for their spaces and local communities. Projects include dressing room and green room refurbishments, backstage improvements, custom stage backdrops, venue branding and infrastructure upgrades designed to strengthen venues long after the tour has ended.
Among the venues receiving support are is the Craufurd Arms in Milton Keynes, which has identified a project tailored to its own needs and ambitions.
"Marshall have always been good to us, supporting events and supplying equipment that helps give new and upcoming bands the best possible start, whether it's their first ever show or part of a wider tour," said Max HArvey, owner of The Craufurd Arms.
"That's what grassroots venues are all about. Live music is the lifeblood of our community, and we're passionate about nurturing the culture and the scene here in Milton Keynes. It's great to see Marshall putting something back into independent venues through Made of Loud".
Nick Street, CMO at Marshall Group said: “Grassroots venues are closing faster than they are opening. The Marshall ‘Made of Loud’ Tour funds real improvements in the venues, upgrades that will still be there long after the tour ends. Marshall would not exist without independent venues and the musicians who play them. This is us listening to what they actually need and acting on it”.
The Made of Loud Tour also reflects the values of Cancer Bats, whose two-decade career has been built within the independent music scene. Throughout the tour, the band will help spotlight the venues, promoters, staff, volunteers and fans that continue to shape grassroots music culture.
“We are so excited to kick off the first ever MADE OF LOUD TOUR! hese independent spaces are what keeps the UK scene alive and kicking and we’re so stoked to be hitting so many of our fave spots!" said Liam Cormier of Cancer Bats.
"On top of all that we are bringing an amazing bunch of bands with Ignite and Knives! THIS IS GOING TO BE THE BEST TOUR EVER!!!”
A dedicated content series will explore the importance of independent venues, the challenges they face and the impact of Marshall's support. Through Marshall's Keep Live Music Alive initiative, the tour will spotlight the people, places and communities that continue to shape grassroots music culture.
The story does not end when the final show concludes. Marshall will revisit venues to explore the long-term impact of the programme, demonstrating how sustained investment can strengthen venues, support local scenes and help secure the future of grassroots live music.
