Louis Tomlinson, Little Mix and The Script support #LetTheMusicPlay

Louis Tomlinson, Little Mix and The Script are just many of the names showing their support for the live music industry and raising awareness with #LetTheMusicPlay.

Today, we stand with the UK music industry, highlighting to the Government importance of grassroots venues, and the workforce that goes towards keeping the live music alive at all levels. Join us by sharing a clip of the last show that you went to with #LetTheMusicPlay. D M G x pic.twitter.com/uz9nUbWARm

— the script 🌄🌑 (@thescript) July 2, 2020

Louis was only two shows in when the tour had to stop but what a couple of shows they were 🙌 Help us show some support for the live music industry and send us your best pics from Louis’ shows with the hashtag #LetTheMusicPlay 📸 @LighteningUK pic.twitter.com/y2bFWEOjsw

— LTHQ (@LTHQOfficial) July 2, 2020

Due to coronavirus, the live industry is on the verge of collapse, with people losing their jobs and festivals and venues being at risk of closing. It’s time for the government to step up and save the industry #LetTheMusicPlay

— Little Mix (@LittleMix) July 2, 2020

Louis, Little Mix and The Script are just a few of hundreds of artists including Liam Gallagher, Ed Sheeran, Lewis Capaldi, Take That, and Sam Smith who have pledged their support for the campaign, signing a letter sent to Oliver Dowden – the UK’s Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Many of the artists who are backing the campaign have had to cancel or reschedule their own shows and tours until 2021, which is upsetting for music fans worldwide, but will have an absolutely devastating impact on the people who work within the industry and make the shows possible.

It’s why this is such an important campaign as, without it, your faves may not be able to tour in the future as they need the help and support of the teams they have on tour and who work behind the scenes to help make your faves shows unforgettable.

As the effects of the pandemic continue, the industry is now facing job losses of up to 50% of the workforce, a true catastrophic loss of skills.

Home to some of the best and most popular global venues – from grassroots to vast stadiums and arenas – the UK live music scene are set to lose 5 million visitors. Grassroots venues in particular face uncertain times with 90% under threat of closure. A £50 million cash injection would help ensure their future.

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The first concert I went to aged 7 was a moment that changed my life. The excitement and euphoria it left me with has never gone away. Live music is an export that the UK has led the world on. The live music industry is comprised of many talented people working together across many sectors relying on the live ecosystem to survive. In March the Covid-19 crisis brought everything to a stop. I have posted some images of my favourite moments Ive been part of, but I sadly don't have one from my last tour show. I spent the entire show backstage in an office, on the phone, on email, on text, head in hands at times trying to comprehend deconstructing an entire world tour, pulling a large amount of people off the road. A tour that wont start again until 2021. A huge amount of people across an entire industry have had their work stopped dead like this with no indication of when it will start again. Due to the nature of live shows, it will be the last to open their doors as this crisis eases. There is no planned timeline for reopening, and there is no specific support for everyone affected in this industry. Today sees the start of the campaign to #letthemusicplay because the industry needs to be heard. In 2019 this industry directly employed over 210K people and added £4.5 billion to the UK economy. It’s a business that rarely asks for assistance. It’s a business that is known throughout the world for producing some of the best festivals, live bands, skilled workers etc. It is and they are truly world class at what they do. The Government need to acknowledge that it is not viable for venues and festivals to reopen while social distancing is in place. We need to see financial assistance or these businesses will not survive. We need a reduction on VAT as other countries have given their cultural sectors. We need these measures and more to survive. Please make some noise for live music. Share the hashtag of #letthemusicplay And please post as many pictures as you can of either the last show you went to or your favourite show. We must remind the world of the importance of this industry and the government cannot fail us.

A post shared by Matt Vines (@mrmattvines) on Jul 2, 2020 at 5:53am PDT

Festivals are also facing bankruptcy across the UK as they respond to widespread cancellations, affecting around 85,000 jobs.

#LetTheMusicPlay is campaigning for the Government to reveal a clear, conditional timeline for fully reopening venues, a business and employment support package and full VAT exemption on ticket sales.

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