Iron Maiden, Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones & more back #LetTheMusicPlay campaign
It's calling on the government to financially support live music
Last updated 6th Aug 2021
1,500 artists from across the music world have backed a new campaign called #LetTheMusicPlay by signing an open letter to the government calling for more support for the UK’s beleaguered live music scene.
Since live music was brought to a juddering standstill in March due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Let The Music Play campaign says that the financial impact on venues, events and the people that work on them has been momentous.
Announcing #LetTheMusicPlay today (2nd July), a statement on the Concert Promoters Association’s website says that UK live music supported “210,000 jobs across the country and added £4.5bn to the economy in 2019.”
They explained that “with no end to social distancing in sight or financial support from government yet agreed” the future for the entire scene “looks bleak” and that government support is “crucial to prevent mass insolvencies.”
Addressed directly to the Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden, the open letter says: “(The) government has addressed two important British pastimes – football and pubs – and it’s now crucial that it focuses on a third, live music.
“For the good of the economy, the careers of emerging British artists, and the UK’s global music standing, we must ensure that a live music industry remains when the pandemic has finally passed.”
Among the plethora of artists who have signed the letter are Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Jeff Lynne, Biffy Clyro, Muse, Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones, Sir Paul McCartney, Manic Street Preachers, Genesis, Phil Collins, Roger Daltrey, Pink Floyd’s Nick Mason, Radiohead, Dire Straits’ Mark Knopfler, Feeder, Queens of the Stone Age, YES, Mike Rutherford and many more.
#LetTheMusicPlay on social media
Together with raising live music’s bleak plight, the campaign is calling on music fans to share on social media a film or photo of the last gig they played or saw with the hashtag #LetTheMusicPlay.
Many musicians and bands have been getting involved online too.
Pink Floyd wrote: It's fifteen years since London's Hyde Park saw the historic reunion of Roger, David, Nick and Richard for one last performance together, for Live 8. What are your memories of that day? #LetTheMusicPlay
Nick Mason's Saucerful of Secrets said: "Here's a picture (thanks to Kamil Kubica) from our last #SaucerfulOfSecrets gig, which was in Warsaw, Poland. What was the last live show that YOU went to? Please share any pictures or video you have of it! #LetTheMusicPlay."
The Rolling Stones shared a photo of the setlist from their last live show at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on 30th August 2019:
Iron Maiden commented: "Every band has to start somewhere (in time), & Iron Maiden were no exception. 90% of the UK's grassroots music venues are under threat of closure due to Covid-19. Please show your support for live music & share a photo/video from the last gig you went to, tagging #LetTheMusicPlay"
Muse wrote: "For Muse, playing live & having the opportunity to connect with you is so important. We're so grateful for the experience that live music gives us all. The government must step up & show the industry the support it deserves in these difficult & challenging times #LetTheMusicPlay."
Paul McCartney's reps said: "Today Paul joins artists, promotors, agents, venues and more in asking the UK government to protect the live music industry. Share photos and videos of the last show you went to using the hashtag #LetTheMusicPlay to show your support!"
Genesis commented: "Throwback to Genesis' last UK live show at Twickenham Stadium, London during the 'Turn It On Again Tour' in 2007. What's the last gig you went to? Comment and tag your stories #LetTheMusicPlay in support of everyone making these moments possible."