A host of UK music stars have signed an open letter calling on the British government to assist those working in the live music industry in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.
More than 1,500 artists, including Bananarama, Duran Duran, Gary Numan, UB40, Hue and Cry, and Wet Wet Wet have lent their names to the campaign, warning the future is “bleak” for hundreds of thousands of workers in the sector.
Addressed to Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden appealing for sector-specific support, the letter says: “UK live music has been one of the UK’s biggest social, cultural, and economic successes of the past decade.
“But, with no end to social distancing in sight or financial support from government yet agreed, the future for concerts and festivals and the hundreds of thousands of people who work in them looks bleak,” it continues.
“Until these businesses can operate again, which is likely to be 2021 at the earliest, government support will be crucial to prevent mass insolvencies and the end of this world-leading industry.”
The letter calls for a “clear, conditional timeline” for reopening venues without social distancing, a “comprehensive business and employment support package” and access to finance, plus full VAT exemption on ticket sales.
To coincide with the initiative, artists have pledged to post videos and photos of their last live gig under the hashtag #LetTheMusicPlay on social media.
You can show your support by writing about the last gig you went to before the coronavirus shutdown – don’t forget to use the hashtag #LetTheMusicPlay and tag @RetroPopSite and we’ll share our favourites!
