The coronavirus pandemic is wreaking havoc on the entertainment industry. As festivals and concerts continue to get postponed or canceled, those who depend on those events to feed their families are being left to fend for themselves.
In an effort to ease to financial impact of the virus, Lizzo, Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks, Gwen Stefani, Diplo and several other industry stars have signed a letter from the Music Artists Coalition asking Donald Trump to provide some relief to the music community and slow the “existential threat” posed by the coronavirus pandemic.
It specifically asks for help for the “hundreds of thousands of people whose livelihoods depend on the live music business.”
John Mayer, Maren Morris, Dave Matthews, Lionel Richie, Little Big Town, Mark Ronson, Meghan Trainor, Sheryl Crow, Charli XCX, the Doobie Brothers, Tim McGraw, Troye Sivan, Joe Walsh, Don Henley, Def Leppard and Idina Menzel are among the other artists who’ve signed the letter.
“[T]he concert business is as drastically and negatively impacted as the airlines and the hospitality industries, despite a lack of media attention,” the letter states. “The men and women who work tirelessly to bring live music to fans are unable to work from home and have no alternative means of supporting themselves and their families… Concerts are not just about the headliner: the foundation of live music are the touring musicians, truck and bus drivers, stagehands, production teams, crews who handle lighting, sound, equipment, security, and so many others do not have any option for work as there are no live events for the foreseeable future.
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“The music industry is facing an existential threat that is unprecedented — the touring business as we know it has disappeared without warning and without a safety net for hundreds of thousands of people. MAC believes the impacted people in the music industry are one of the groups most in need of government assistance.”
As reported by Variety, the Recording Academy also issued a letter to Congress on Wednesday (March 18) asking leaders to “protect our nation’s musicians, performers, songwriters, and studio professionals,” particularly “self-employed gig workers,” and provide “tax benefits, interest-free loans and direct support for small businesses and nonprofits.”
In the wake of the pandemic, major festivals such as SXSW, Coachella and Bonnarroo have been canceled or postponed.
Check out the Music Artists Coalition letter in full below.
Dear President Trump and Secretary Mnuchin,
The Music Artists Coalition (MAC) appreciates the bipartisan efforts underway to address the severe economic impact on millions of Americans because of COVID-19. As economic relief efforts are finalized, MAC believes it is essential that support is reserved for the hundreds of thousands of people whose livelihoods depend on the live music business.
In compliance with CDC guidelines, all concerts and events have been canceled indefinitely. As a result, the concert business is as drastically and negatively impacted as the airlines and the hospitality industries, despite a lack of media attention. The men and women who work tirelessly to bring live music to fans are unable to work from home and have no alternative means of supporting themselves and their families.
The cancellation of concerts, tours, and festivals means that the musicians and crews who make every concert a special experience for music fans are now out of a job and have no other way to pay rent or put food on the table. Concerts are not just about the headliner: the foundation of live music are the touring musicians, truck and bus drivers, stagehands, production teams, crews who handle lighting, sound, equipment, security, and so many others do not have any option for work as there are no live events for the foreseeable future.
The cancellation of concerts, festivals, and tours has brought an abrupt end to income for hundreds of thousands of people. For these dedicated individuals, it is not an unwillingness, but an inability, to work, when all concerts, tours, and recording sessions are canceled or indefinitely postponed. While some concerts will be rescheduled, it is inevitable that many will be canceled and unable to find a venue in which to perform when this crisis has passed.
The music industry is facing an existential threat that is unprecedented – the touring business as we know it has disappeared without warning and without a safety net for hundreds of thousands of people. MAC believes the impacted people in the music industry are one of the groups most in need of government assistance.
Thank you for leading the fight to ensure Americans are able to pay their bills and survive these trying times.
Sincerely,
Adam Dorn
Adrianne Duncan
Alex Sugarman
Ali Harnell
Alicia Spillias
Aloe Blacc
Amy Lee (Evanescence)
Anderson .Paak
Anthony Rossomando
Anthony Russo
Ari Herstand
August Roads
BANKS
Ben Rector
Bernie Taupin
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
Bloque
Boombox Cartel
Brandon Robert Young
Brian Lee
Burt Bacharach
Charli XCX
Chloe Flower
Clare Bowen
Cody Tarpley
Cold War Kids
Coran Capshaw
Crywolf
Danica Pinner
Danny Parker
Dark Water
Dave Matthews
David Brownstein
David Murillo
Def Leppard
Deva Mahal
Diplo
Don Henley
Drew Holcomb
Dustin O’Halloran
Elizabeth Crbe
Elliot Grofman
FIDLA
Gabe Rosales
Garrett Edson
George Ritter
Grady
Gwen Stefani
Harlan Silverman
Idina Menzel
Irving Azoff
J Ross Parrelli
Jack Quinn
JC Dwyer
JD Souther
Jean-Pierre Durand
Jeff Russo
Jeffrey Rivera
Jennifer Nettles
Jeremy Silver
Jerrod Bettis (p/k/a “Skins”)
Jim Cicconi
Joe Walsh
John Mayer
John Silva
Jon Levine
Jonny Pierce (p/k/a “The Drums”)
Jordan Bromley
Jordan Davis
Jordan Palmer
Julian Casablancas
Karen Fairchild
Kat Dahlia
Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds
Kenny Loggins
Kerry Brown
Kimber Kristy
Kito
Kristen Foster
Kristian Bush
KSHMR
Kyler England
Larkin Poe
Leslie Odom Jr
Lincoln Jesser
Linda Perry
Lionel Andie
Lionel Richie
Little Big Town
Lizzo
Lostboycrow
Louis Bell
Louis Schoorl
Lucie Silvas
Lucy Levinsohn
Lunchmoney Lewis
MAG
Mandy Dickson
Maren Morris
Mark Ronson
MAX
Meghan Trainor
Michelle Lewis
Mitch Allan
Moana Avvenenti
Morgan Kibby/White Sea
M-Phazes
Nancy Kuo
Nick Seeley
Niia
NoMBe
ODESZA
Omar Waqor
Pat Monahan
Paul Stanley
Pepe Aguilar
Pussy Riot
Randy Belculfine
Robert Longoria
Rory Andrew (p/k/a “Wynne”)
Saint Astonia
Sam Martin
Sammy Witte
Sara Bareilles
Shane McAnally
Sheryl Crow
Showtek
Sirah
Slash
Slightly Stoopid
Spoon
Steve Jordan
Steve Miller
Steve Perry
Stevie Nicks
Stint
Stone Temple Pilots
Susan Genco
T Collar
The Doobie Brothers
The White Buffalo
Tim Lillis
Tim McGraw
Tom Meredith
Troye Sivan
Verdine White
Walk Off The Earth
Zach Dawes
Zach Sutton
I don’t feel sorry for these rich ass artist, but I do feel bad for the arena workers who miss out on money for the events.
Yes . It’s so narcissistic though of artists to ONLY want help for ppl Within Their Own Industry tho. And doing f all to help them themselves.
Gold teeth and stacks of cash just a front?
Lmao!!! And just to think that it’s just been a couple of weeks since this shit began. I wonder what’s gonna happen, if it persists for say, 3 more months. Maybe the likes of Cardi B, Migos, ….and what not would end back in the streets stripping and robbing lmfao
Oh so now you want Trumps help?
This fat lardass beyotch cant be serious. Gtfoh you are like a dog begging at the dinner table after they already ate. Nobody owes rich scum bags anything, if you weren’t financially responsible with the millions of dollars you have made in the last year or two thats your fault and your problem. Those funds need to go to people actually in need, who have families to take care of. People who need to put food on the dinner table. Your fat ass has clearly already eaten. This heffer devoid of morals is constantly trying to portray herself as a victim but she is only a victim of her own stupidity.
SonicBids just did something smart with their platform for indie artists. Plus Master P sons just started their own cleaning business in their teens. Lizzie and all these other artists who signed that letter showed they’re just label slaves and irresponsible with their monies
Pretty sure they’re talking about supporting the people who support their concerts with food, merchandise, security, setting up stages and sound systems, etc. not asking the government to give money to the artists that headline shows.
LIZZO IS RUNNING OIT OF FOOD! MAY GOD SAVE US ALL!!!!!
She can play the flute though so she will be alright
The thing is no one buys music and if people are not gonna have jobs now why spend it on a show or a streaming service especially when they can get it for free? and if people are scared to touch each other how will these large venues stay open? Their is very little the government can do if the consumer’s habits change.
Perfect time for Lizzo to stop eating and being fat
You all are millionairs. you gonna be ok
You mean millionaires? Then yes we are
Labels should be the ones supporting at a time like this. Music is one of the largest money machines ever, especially nowadays. I wouldn’t be surprised if trump is jada kiss laughing somewhere RN, the way the media / entertainment industry did him when he became president
piracy is preventing more cashflow.
Should’ve saved your money idiots
amazing cause i am all behind it!! lets help the world 🙂 music needs to survive.
No thanks – In times likes this music, sports, movies etc should be the first to go. I understand people work in the entertainment industry who are not millionaires and try to just pay bills but we have teachers, plumbers, construction workers etc who are going to go through a rough time too.
Everyone who signed this letter has got some means. If they each donate to help their industry instead of signing this stupid letter, the music industry would do better than other industries that don’t have wealthy famous people to write letters for them
You guys are all stupid as hell. They are talking about the tens of thousands of people who work in the events industry, similar to the food service industry where thousands are now out of work. Do any of you even read? Do you even care about anything but your shriveled little dicks? Y’all are so simple.
I read it…all the other superstars who rely on real people to make them money are putting up the doe to help those who make their life what it is (NBA/NHL players). Fuck outta here, you all brag about your lifestyle…and all the money you got, you always letting everybody know about the donations you made (that you can write off)…but here’s the moment of truth, a real opportunity to be genuine and give back to those you pretend to thank for their hard work…and y’all go crying to “Orange Man Bad”? Hollywood couldn’t write this shit
Top pic is how Lizzo kneels when she pisses
you are right. Also she has to lift her belly up when she take a piss as it hang over the vagoo. You know what FUPA is? Fat Upper Pubic Area, i’m telling you she got maaaaaaaaaad fupa. Also i hear she was diagnosed with oversized cIitoris its like a purple d!ck sticking out.
Bball and Hockey players are throwing up millions to pay for the guy who sells beers in the hallway, and these pieces of shit want somebody else to help the people who write and record their songs for them. Character exposed..that’s a long list of pieces of shit right there.
Federal Reserve will gladly create money out of thin air and loan it to the goverment with interest so we can make all these rich people more rich. Our children will be born as debt slaves. And you know when you are in debt you are a humble slave to the money lenders – you practice the politics they want you to. For example, in immigration, gun control etc..
Pepe Aguilar signed this? Lol is he even an American citizen? Shit, that bastard is rich off the paisa’s that live here in LA alone. He can’t dip into his wallet to give back to the community that made him a ton of cash? And you know the workers who build stages, cut the lawns, sell the food and swag like this fool. He is huge in the Hispanic community. He alone should have the balls to give a little, because it’s his fans (guaranteed) that work in these jobs.
This list is ridiculous. Pussy Riot is an anti government feminists group who just scream and yell about…..the government and here they are begging the nanny state.
Tell them to apply at walmart n amazon,uber eats like everyone else is for work
We should all chip in and buy a circus tent so lizzo has something to cover up with.
The corona virus is a blessing in disguise. This shit is for real deal humbling a bunch of otherwise cocky, arrogant, and obviously greedy people. I, for one, LOVE watching these selfish, egotistical, diva, entitled, bratty, and self-centered “musicians” and “artists” and celebrities receiving their comeuppance. This whole virus is basically showing us all the one, glaring thing we all habitually take for granted- and that is how we are ALL human beings. No amount of money or personal accolades, Grammy awards, mansions, or Lamborghinis can save a person from this virus. ANYONE can catch this virus; doesn’t matter if you’re some regular Schmoe visiting Disney World or if you’re the coach of the New Orleans Saints. This virus serves to confirm how we are ALL simply human beings who can die from catching a deadly virus or disease. Cancer can happen to ANYONE and this virus can happen to anyone. Not even Jeff Bezos is exempt from corona virus or any illness. Fucked up how it took a god damn “novel” virus to humble EVERY BODY. Even the great LeBron James can’t work. Kevin Durant is a Finals MVP but, has the damn virus while there are far poorer people who don’t have the virus. This virus is low key BEAUTIFUL. A bunch of smug, “better than you” celebrities have to wear masks just so they can stay alive to flaunt their wealth and money (still) to people who don’t have nearly as much money. This is like God’s way of sitting EVERY ONE down. Now, you niggas are scared and asking for help. Tuh. This virus needs to kill off more than a few people. Humility has a strange way of entering you cocky and arrogant muthafuckas’ lives. I hope this virus continues deep into 2021. God should have been punished at least half of us anyway. We laugh at and mock other people’s deaths until we have to face our own mortality. Shit isn’t so funny now, is it? Humble yourself or the Creator will do it for you. And it’s like my mans Pusha rapped- “Wealth can’t buy you health”. Oh, NOW you humble and cautious? Smh.
All the hip hop rap artists and other musical artists are right bout this so we need Donald Trump and the Republican politicians to do thy part like the Democratic politicians are to find a cure for the coronavirus to the people whom are suffering. That is an order and a mandatory.