FAC x Signature Brew x Orange Amplification launch Backstage IPA to support grassroots music

London-based brewery Signature Brew has teamed up with iconic British amplifier brand Orange Amplification to launch a special edition of Backstage IPA, with all profits supporting the FAC.

The FAC is delighted to unveil a new partnership, which sees one of Signature Brew’s core beers reimagined as a purpose-led release, available exclusively in independent music venues on draught and in specially redesigned cans. Profits from every pint sold in participating venues will be donated to the FAC, to support our work such as the UK Artist Touring (UKAT) fund.

The UKAT fund was launched in March 2026, to support artists through the “cost of touring crisis” and help keep more live shows on the road. In April, we revealed the first 26 artists who are benefitting from the fund’s unique form of “top-up” investment.

Backstage IPA is a bold and punchy modern IPA which perfectly blends the best of East and West Coast styles, stacked with passionfruit, tangerines and berries with pine and crisp citrus notes. The beer is live now and pouring in independent music venues across the UK, including London’s Fabwick and Fighting Cocks, Manchester’s New Century Hall, Birkenhead’s Molly’s Chambers, Wallasey’s Wellington Music Venue, York’s Fulford Arms and Wolverhampton’s Dive, with a growing list of participating venues to be announced.

Tom Bott, Founder and Managing Director of Signature Brew, says: “In an increasingly digital world, taking time to come together and experience something live, unique, and curated by and for the community is precious and worth protecting. Grassroots venues are where scenes are built, artists are developed, and culture moves forward. This collaboration is about backing those spaces in a meaningful, practical way.”

Managing Director of Orange Amps, Sarah Yule, comments: “By partnering with Signature Brew and the FAC, we hope to create a tangible help for artists. We also hope this collaboration rallies the broader industry to come together, and do what they can to protect our grassroots and emerging music scenes in the UK and beyond. If we can help just one more artist make touring viable, I'll raise a pint to that!”

Gus Unger-Hamilton, alt-J & FAC Director says: “This an incredibly powerful gesture from Signature Brew and Orange Amps. We are extremely grateful for the recognition of our work protecting and supporting the UK’s artist community through initiatives like the UK Artist Touring fund.

The UK’s live music ecosystem is in a precarious place right now, but we know that UKAT’s targeted investment into artists’ touring activity is one of most effective ways to help the sector. If artists can sustain themselves on the road, it means more musicians and live professionals will be employed, more venues get booked and more audiences experience live music.”

The campaign will be supported by a coordinated launch across venues, festival activations throughout the summer, and artist ambassador shout-outs, before culminating in an autumn celebration show at Signature Brew. Orange also plans to offer various support packages for all participating venues, plus ongoing programs like "Spotlight", to continue to champion the next generation of talent, ensuring that the music of tomorrow sounds as bold as the legends of the past.

From rehearsal rooms to festival stages, Signature Brew and Orange have long been part of the same musical ecosystem. Backstage IPA brings that shared commitment into a single pint, poured where music culture truly lives.

Backstage IPA is available now exclusively in selected independent music venues and via www.signaturebrew.co.uk/products/orange-amps

Participating Venues

Birkenhead