#LetTheMusicPlay, British Musicians Campaign To Help Concert Workers
JAKARTA - The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has made the situation persistent. Some sectors have returned to normal in order to maintain the economy but not the music sector.
A campaign titled #LetTheMusicPlay was launched to help those working in the music concert or stage industry. This campaign was initiated by various musicians from England, including The Cure, Dua Lipa, Paul McCartney, Louis Tomlinson, Radiohead, Liam Gallagher and many others signed a petition addressed to Oliver Dowden, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sports .
This petition was conducted to revive the music scene industry in England in the form of financial support for musicians to survive. Reporting from NME, 92 percent of festival businesses are at risk of bankruptcy, so the government is expected to help.
In the open letter, they did not ask for full government assistance. However, seeing new businesses that can reopen in early 2021 makes government support very much needed at this time.
The British government has designated two important sectors that must be maintained, namely sports and pubs. The music stage sector should also be their focus, considering that this sector is one of the potential for the arrival of pound sterling coffers.
Through their respective social media, the musicians shared the happiness they felt while on tour and meeting fans on stage. Dan Bastille said, "This uncertainty is felt by all sectors and affects everyone from venue staff, to technicians, to people who go on tours with artists. The government has to help." These musicians also ask fans to upload the excitement of watching a concert with the hashtag #LetTheMusicPlay.
This uncertainty is felt by the entire industry, and affects everyone from the venue staff, to the sound technicians, to the people who go out on the road with artists. The government must step up to help. #LetTheMusicPlay pic.twitter.com/DXIB9lAWKw
- BASTILLE (@bastilledan) July 2, 2020
Likewise, Dua Lipa, who uploaded a video of her performance and wrote down her longing to appear with fans. He revealed that playing on any stage leaves a beautiful impression for the singer of Don't Start Now.
I miss this so much! I'm so grateful for the opportunities I've been given. Now it's time to pay back to the incredible people who make up the UK music industry including all the crew who work so hard behind the scenes. pic.twitter.com/Osc47zEq6z
- TWO LIPA (@DUALIPA) July 2, 2020
Until now, people are still not allowed to crowd or gather. Music festivals that are generally visited by the public should of course be stopped until the situation is safe.
There is also a festival stage which is a mandatory agenda in England, including the Glasgow West End Festival, Ozzfest, Summertime Ball, Glastonbury Festival and many others.