07/31/2020
I copied this post from a good friend, Bill Black. Bill and I have worked together quite a few times, throughout our careers. The Wife of another of Bill’s friends has written a great letter. Please feel free to share, as it really needs to be heard. Thanks!
Open letter to Bands, Musical Artists and Fans of live music :
The world had changed considerably in these past several months. Live music seems to be nothing but a memory. Being able to get together with 300 to 80,000 people to enjoy your favorite band or artist was an amazing outlet for many people.
There is a feeling that washes over you when you are in a venue and the lights go down and the stage lights up and the music starts. This is a building full of strangers that transforms into a party with friends, all dancing and singing along to your favorite songs from your favorite people. Feeling the low end thump in your chest. Watching the music you love come alive right in front of you. It is pure magic.
What seems to have gotten over looked during these times are the road crews for these bands and artists. The sound engineers, guitar techs, drum techs, bass techs, monitor engineers and lighting designers. These people are the true rock stars. They arrive at the venue most days by 7am and work hours after the show has ended until 2 to3am. Getting just a few hours of sleep in a bunk on a bus traveling to the next city... the next venue.... the next show before getting up to do it all over again.
They sacrifice time with their families. Missing their children’s birthdays, missing anniversaries, and holidays because they love what they do. Without them the show does not go on!!!!!!
These amazing people are now struggling.
These people are vital to live music and now that tours are cancelled so is their livelihood. Typically they do not qualify for unemployment in their home states yet they pay taxes to every state they work in. There is no financial assistance or aide being given. All the “non-profit” organizations in the music industry are saying the funds have dried up and they have nothing to give even though very few ever received any help from these organizations.
Most have tried to find other work....Customer service, convenience stores anything to make money. Although they are some of the hardest working individuals... they are not being hired due to “lack of experience”.
They are losing their homes, unable to pay their electric bills and purchase groceries for their families.
It is a shame that the music industry and those that have made huge fortunes either performing, managing or representing talent have now abandoned the men and women who bust their asses daily, not just for them but for the fans.
It is heartbreaking that people have dedicated their lives to their craft, to the music industry and to the fans only to be forgotten and left behind with no help.
It’s is even worse that the people who have amassed fortunes have turned a blind eye.
We don’t know if or when live music, concerts and festivals will happen again. I hope it’s is soon. Until then I urge all bands and artists to step up and take care of their crews.
Sincerely,
Amy Worthen
