LOCKDOWN LEADER: LIVE Nation
Thunderous applause to the world’s biggest concert promoter Live Nation who have launched a $10 million “Crew Nation” fund to support tour workers left unemployed by the cancellation or rescheduling of live gigs amid the pandemic shutdown. It will fund the initial $5 million then match the second half donated by fans, employees and artists, who include U2, Justin Timberlake, Madonna and Cher.
Music lovers have been encouraged to donate with tax-deductible, non-refundable contributions and purchase limited edition Crew Nation-branded merchandise online. “Concerts wouldn’t be possible without the crew working behind the scenes to bring them to life,” said Live Nation’s CEO Michael Rapino, who has donated $250,000 to the fund.
The benefit fund comes courtesy of charity 501c3 Music Forward Foundation, who will support “all the backstage staff that help bring concerts to life”, from tour and production managers, to riggers, sound engineers, carpenters and scores more, “based on a determination of need”. A statement from Live Nation reads, “Live music inspires millions around the world, but the concerts we all enjoy wouldn’t be possible without the countless crew members working behind the scenes. Crew members are the backbone of the live music industry, and we hope you’ll join us in supporting them through this temporary intermission until we can once again unite millions around the world through the power of live music.”
“The COVID-19 outbreak has had a dramatic impact on the music industry and the communities Music Forward serves,” says Nurit Smith, executive director of the House of Blues Music Forward Foundation. “The crews that we rely on to power live music are vital to the industry, and therefore a critical part of Music Forward’s constituency. We are honored to play a role in establishing and managing a fund that bridges community to industry to support the future of live music around the world.”
Other organisations helping to support the music industry include The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), whose Music Covid Relief has also been launched.