The media tend to focus on the audience figures and box-office results of the artists at the top of the ticket sales, but before filling the stadiums, most artists have passed through the small venues that play a crucial role in discovering new talent. But with pandemics, inflation and rising costs, the viability of small venues and clubs is increasingly precarious. What do industry professionals think, and are there any solutions to ensure that venues continue to support and discover new talent in all musical genres?