Mass Music Platforms Celebrate as Last Party at Dinner Wins Best New Artist at the 2025 Brit Awards

Latest Recognition for Rising Stars

The last party of lunch made headlines in mass music sites across the UK when they received their British award for Best New Artist last night (March 1). Check out their speech below.

• Read more: Here are all winners from Brit Awards 2025

Challenges Facing Independent Venues

After accepting the Brits Rising Star award in 2024, the London group returned this year to claim the Best New Artist award following the release of their debut album “Prelude to Ecstasy.”

During their speech, they took a moment to highlight the significant challenges facing smaller music venues in the UK. Reports indicate that in 2024, the UK lost one such venue every two weeks—almost half suffered a loss, leaving 200 more in a precarious state, as the country grapples with a “collapse in the tour.”

“We would not be a group, and many artists here would not be either, without the incredible independent venues throughout Great Britain. They are the vital force of the music industry, and they are dying,” said bassist George Davis.

“If larger venues like O2, and stadiums across the country, contributed even a little to these independent spaces, we wouldn’t be losing them at this alarming rate. We wouldn’t be here without them, and none of this would have happened without their support,” he continued.

“So, to all the artists playing in independent venues across the country tonight, keep going because this is the best kind of art. At a time when art is at risk, it is crucial to continue supporting it.” You can view their full speech below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4btjouqoh80

Government Support and Industry Insights

The notion that the upper echelons of the music industry should reconnect with the broader ecosystem was backed by the government investigation from the CMS Select Committee last year, which recommended reviewing fees at stadiums and arenas. A March deadline was set for voluntary actions before the government decides to make changes mandatory.

However, despite contributions from artists like Coldplay, Sam Fender, and Katy Perry, the benefits of these efforts may take time to materialize. A recent report from Music Venue Trust indicates that venues are still facing significant challenges.

Last year, one venue closed every two weeks, while “emergency cases” rose by nearly 20 percent, with 200 venues remaining in critical danger of closure. Additionally, venues have been investing in sales of food, alcohol, and merchandise to subsidize live music amid a range of financial pressures—including a staggering 440 percent increase in energy costs in recent years, resulting in debts rising from £114,814,162 to £162,067,095 last year.

Consequently, the UK has seen an 8.3% decrease in live music events since 2023, accompanied by a 13.5% drop in ticket revenue.

This decline occurred after the government imposed limits on the resale price of advertised tickets and launched an inquiry into dynamic pricing practices. Visit here for the full 2024 report from the Music Venue Trust.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmu_40qcjxo

Last year, the last party was compelled to reduce their European tour, citing “emotional, mental, and physical burnout.” Several concerts during their UK and Ireland rounds—including shows in Cardiff, Lincoln, Birmingham, Nottingham, Bristol, and Southampton—were also canceled due to health issues.

In other news, the group has been confirmed to open for Olivia Rodrigo at her biggest British show at BST Hyde Park 2025.

In a four-star review of their debut album, critics at NME stated: “Some may see the band’s success as an antidote to intense scrutiny—regarding their evolution, appearance, and decision to create music without ‘serious’ intention—but strip all that away, and you still have incredible songs that are easy to embrace and revisit. It’s hard to overlook everything they get right.”