Wednesday 4th November, 2020
The singer is asking the government to provide a roadmap for live music to reopen and is offering grants to musicians facing financial hardship as a result of government restrictions
November 4, 2020
Van Morrison has launched a petition calling on the government to support in word and deed, a timeline and roadmap for the recommencement of live music.
The restrictions currently imposed by the Northern Ireland Executive are needlessly crippling the livelihoods of everyone who is part of the live music eco-system. Venues have spent millions of pounds on the implementation of additional safety measures in order to operate in line with government guidance, only to now be shut down again.
With no end to restrictions in sight, Van is calling for the government to work with the live music sector to approve applied safety measures allowing the recommencement of live music.
The Van Morrison Official Rhythm and Blues Foundation, a registered charity which exists to help musicians in need and for the advancement of arts, culture and heritage has also established “The Lockdown Financial Hardship Fund” to support musicians who are facing financial hardship as a result of the government restrictions on live music.
In September, Van Morrison announced he would be donating the proceeds earned from downloads of his three anti-lockdown singles tracks: Born To Be Free, As I Walked Out, and No More Lockdown which have been released over the past six weeks. The three tracks are available for download and streaming from selected outlets including Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music and Deezer.
The proceeds raised will contribute to the fund to offer single time grants of £500 to successful applicants.
Professional musicians residing in the UK or Ireland who earn at least 50% of their income performing live music, are self-employed or currently unemployed, and are over the age of 16 will be eligible to apply. Those who meet this criteria are encouraged to submit an application here: https://www.vanmorrison.com/sa...
The singer is deeply concerned about the damaging impact lockdown and government restrictions are having on the music industry and industry members’ livelihoods. To sign the petition and be part of the movement demanding the government take action to save the industry, please visit: http://chng.it/N4DrJSmj
Morrison said:
Follow #SaveLiveMusic on social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/save...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Save-...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Save_LiveM...
