Brit Award winner Myles Smith used his Rising Star 2025 acceptance speech to advocate for the protection of grassroots music venues.
The 26-year-old singer from Luton, Bedfordshire, accepted the award at the O2 Arena in London, emphasizing the crucial role small venues play in nurturing future stars.
Addressing the government, venue owners, and music executives, he asked, “If artists selling out your arenas and your stadiums started in grassroots venues, what are you doing to keep them alive?”
Smith, who was announced as the Rising Star winner in December 2024, joins a prestigious list of past recipients, including Adele, Sam Fender, and Rag’n’Bone Man.
Reflecting on his journey, he spoke about growing up in Luton, a town often negatively portrayed in media.
“I grew up in a town that, according to loads of clickbait articles, is the worst town… But yet I’m somehow here, a four-time Brit nominee, a graduate from a Russell Group university,” he said.
The rising star also highlighted challenges within the music industry, urging audiences to support artists beyond their first viral hit.
“Moments fade, but careers last forever,” he reminded the crowd.
Smith, who gained popularity on TikTok, performed his songs Stargazing and Nice To Meet You, cementing his status as one of the UK’s most promising new talents.
Also read: Christopher Nolan Net Worth
