As manager of a professional touring rock band, I’m seeing first-hand how the coronavirus pandemic is striking professional musicians at their core. Shows and entire tours have been cancelled and rescheduled with uncertainty looming, as the future of touring is looking grim for a long while.
Last week a panel of live entertainment industry heavy hitters convened online to discuss the state of live events. One of the takeaways: as specific businesses prepare to reopen across the nation, concerts will be the last in line. Some concert professionals suggest there may be no U.S. shows until late August or September. The mayor of Los Angeles has stated that concerts will not be allowed until 2021. Other touring professionals predict we may not see live shows return for 18 months. And that would devastate venues, crew, and professional touring musicians.
While many Americans are receiving federal stimulus checks directly to their bank accounts, professional musicians are not. The top 1% of professional musicians are financially secure, but the bottom 99% are feeling the sting of a financial pain that threatens to be far-reaching.
Live performances and merchandise sales are the principal source of income for professional touring musicians. And with that revenue stream gone for the unforeseeable future, many musicians have done what the average American has done: applied for unemployment. Some have reached out for CARES Act loans, applying for the Payroll Protection Program (PPP). Only one artist I spoke with has received a response, but no funds; the others remain in a holding pattern.
Many US cities are offering financial aid to the small businesses that dot their communities, but only for those who have storefronts. Professional touring musicians are based in these same communities, but their businesses don’t qualify as they are not brick-and-mortar.
Adding to the financial stress, some artists are now left with credit card bills and finance charges for band and crew flights to cancelled and rescheduled shows. I am one of them. Unfortunately, airlines have only offered the option of flight credits, not refunds, which explodes an artist’s credit card finance charges by hundreds of dollars above the initial cost of the flights. Artists are still on the hook for these finance charges for unused flights, whereas the airlines get to keep the airfare.
The newly formed Live Events Coalition has a list of resources for financial aid to the myriad impacted by the abrupt end to live shows. Many entertainers have already tapped these to no avail.
Winger © Christopher Carroll
I polled friends and colleagues—all professional touring musicians from the classic rock genre—to see how they are faring. All have had a significant number of shows and tours cancel, ranging from nine shows lost to date, to upwards of 50 shows lost, to 95% of shows cancelled or rescheduled.
In March, Jeff Scott Soto (Sons of Apollo, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, SOTO) had just started the Sons of Apollo European tour as Europe became the epicenter of the pandemic. Criticized by fans for playing the first few shows, yet threatened by promoters for postponing in regions that had not yet been affected, the band found themselves in a quandary. The remainder of the tour, of course, cancelled.
Upon returning home, once news hit that the rules had changed and self-employed individuals could file for unemployment, Soto filed in California, but has received no financial relief. “I have come to terms I will receive nothing,” Soto told me last Friday. “I have put in two claims, both came back with no indication of assistance.”
“Musicians are always the last in line to get paid.”
Y&T © Jill Meniketti
Dave Meniketti (Y&T) was in the final stretch of Y&T’s two-month U.S. tour when the last three shows cancelled due to the pandemic restrictions that had just begun. “We got band and crew home from tour safely,” Meniketti noted, “and we made sure to pay the crew in full, even though the band members lost the revenue from the last three shows.” Some of the band members applied for unemployment in California but claims were denied. “Nothing new here,” said Meniketti. “Musicians are always the last in line to get paid.”
Robert Sweet (Stryper) told me over the weekend that he filed for unemployment in Nevada but has received no funds. However, his Stryper bandmate and brother, Michael Sweet, filed in Massachusetts and received the additional $600 just last week.
As musicians don’t have the typical 9-5 job that qualifies them for unemployment, there is hope that the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance—which launches in California on Tuesday, April 28—will cover them.
Ron Keel © Mike Savoia
On Friday Ron Keel (Keel) told me that he did not apply for unemployment or PPP, but he did apply for financial help through MusiCares. Unfortunately, he has not received any response or relief.
“Even at the age of 59,” Keel explained, “I feel like I’m still in my prime, still physically and vocally able to deliver a strong performance, but Father Time remains undefeated and losing a year at this stage of the game is a tough blow.”
Soto, however, received a token relief check from MusiCares. “Nothing groundbreaking but something that certainly helped for which I am thankful!” It’s the only financial assistance Soto has received to date.
“We were saving to move next summer,” Soto explained, “and now tapping into these reserves which will not be replaced if indeed there will be no shows this year. . . . I will have seen a major loss overall that will not be recovered.”
Stryper © Chad Barger
Stryper’s manager, Lisa Champagne-Sweet, told me over the weekend that she had “applied for PPP on Stryper immediately and just received word that they were submitting our application in the second round of funding.”
Kip Winger (Winger) told me last Friday that he had applied for PPP but has still received no response. Ditto for Y&T.
“I am very discouraged,” said Soto, “and feel the government has failed me, I pay all taxes and abide by all federal rules but [am] now treated like I don’t exist.”
“Performing is the life blood of musicians,” Winger said, “and all that is dried up until who knows when.”
Cancelled shows have a domino effect that crushes everyone on the team. “I especially feel bad for my band and crew,” added Keel. “Often I will lose money or break even on tour dates, but I always make sure my team gets paid. This year I am not going to be able to do that.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Though revenue generated through online merchandise sales is a mere drop compared to the revenue lost from live shows, fans can help by visiting artist websites and purchasing merchandise directly from their web stores.
A huge thanks to the artists below (and to those who chose to remain anonymous) for participating in this piece.
Jeff Scott Soto ~ Soto webstore
CARES Act, concerts, Dave Meniketti, EDD, Jeff Scott Soto, Keel, Kip Winger, Lisa Champagne-Sweet, Live Events Coalition, Michael Sweet, MusiCares, Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, Payroll Protection Program, PPP, PUA, Robert Sweet, Ron Keel, Sons of Apollo, SOTO, Styper, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Winger, Y&T
Sad to hear about these struggles. The myth still exists that rock stars are rich and have glamorous lives but those days are long gone. I often marvel at how overseas tours can be financed, especially when the days of record label backing are long since over. Fans like me really appreciate bands like Y&T coming to places like the UK on tour and would be greatly saddened if that was no longer possible.
Thanks for having a read, David. I appreciate your comments. Touring nowadays requires ingenuity, for sure.
Jill, thank you for writing this. The general public, and clearly the government, doesn’t get it. Rooting for all musicians to get the help the need
Thank you, Jeff, and thanks for stopping by to read.
I know john nyman of y&t. We live in the same town. It sucks to hear that you guys are losing out on getting help. Im a self employed contractor myself, I have filed with no response yet for the small business grant, can’t find where to file for unemployment.
At least you are in a safe town, Frank. Disappointing that you haven’t received any financial relief for your business. Hopefully the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance will kick in for you or you receive the grant.
Sooo sorry this is affecting all our musicians! Thanks for the article because I know I would not have known this had you not wrote about it! I hope the Government pulls through for musicians!!!!
Thanks, Angie.
Jill, thank you for making people more aware of what musicians on almost every level are going through, along with their supporting staff and crews during this pandemic. After the horrors that this disease has wrought upon the patients and families, this is yet another casualty of this plague. I was lucky enough to attend the Y & T show in NY with Zebra right before the pandemic closed all the venues here. I was able to capture a great collection of images during the show. I would like to make them available to the band…perhaps they can use them for posters or other merchandise. My email address is attached. Best wishes to all!
Thank you, Randy. Very kind of you.
I have thought about you guys through this. It’s a horrible situation the waiting and wondering with no help in the wings is not fair. I only wish the best for all of the musicians that have worked so hard over the years for something like this to happen. Fingers are crossed and many prayers for touring to resume sooner than later. One thing us fans will be chomping at the bit to rock hard!!
Thanks, Sean.
I have bought stuff from stryper several times over the last few months. Doing what I can. I bought tickets and meet and greet tickets for michael sweet in October hopefully it won’t be cancelled. This show was changed two times already. I will do my best to spread the word to help all these musicians.
Thank you, David. All of your favorite musicians appreciate your support.
I will be getting tickets to Michael Sweet when he comes to Michigan
I have worked as a small time band crew member on and off for 37 years, only 2 of those years was it my only paycheck. There ain’t that much money in it.
What I have learned is that music mirrors society, the top 1% have more than the other 99% combined.
Bands you see in the smaller venues don’t make rock star money, they make upper middle class money, or less.
Unless they are being supported by a label they don’t usually have the cool tour buses either, as a matter on face one band I’m partial to tours in two vans, one black, one white.
Truth.
I have a few friends who are pro musicians. I think most of them are technically independent contractors. An exception was made and they can claim unemployment. As far as the shows go, No one is going to drag restrictions out until 2021. Too many people will raise hell because it is an abuse of power and unreasonable.
Correct, many are independent contractors, and the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) is precisely what I noted in my article. Though they now feel more hopeful, musicians I’ve spoken with over the past week still haven’t received anything (as of my posting today).
As far as “no one” will “drag restrictions out until 2021” I’m not sure what industry experts you’re talking with, but the ones I’m speaking with–the very promoters and venue owners with whom I deal directly–are concerned with how to safely open their venues whenever the time comes. How can venue crews and artist crews safely distance at load in, set up, show time, and load out? How can bands safely distance in venue dressing rooms? How can venue owners and promoters ensure people will safely distance from others when queuing up to enter venues? How can the ticket staff and door security safely distance themselves from the entering public? How will the public safely queue up at the bar, and how will the bar staff safely serve and accept payment? Likewise, how will people queue up for merchandise at safe distances, or bathrooms, or upon exiting? What if there is an emergency–how will people safely distance to reach the exits? How will seating be reconfigured and controlled to ensure safe distancing? How will general admission safe distancing be handled–especially for venues with open floors? Will venues be restricted to half capacity in order to comply with safe distancing? If so, that means half revenue for venues and promoters, which trickles down to reduced pay for venue staff, and further down to reduced revenue for artists and their crews. Can artists afford to tour on reduced pay? The top 1% certainly can yet likely won’t (I already know of a few artists refusing shows with reduced offers), but can the bottom 99% who play small-to-medium sized halls & theaters? Can venues even afford their rent payments, staff, electricity, water, etc., on reduced revenue? How many venues can survive such financial loss and how many will be forced to permanently close their doors? With more venues closed, that means more artists vying for dates with fewer available venues, meaning some artists will be shut out from touring; we’re already seeing artists scrambling to reschedule their 2020 dates to 2021, leaving few-to-no choices for a traditional tour routing. What if coronavirus returns in autumn? If venues are even open by then, will they be again closed to control the spread of the virus? These are just a few of the real world questions that promoters and venue owners are discussing the world over.
I highly encourage anyone that can afford the expense at the moment to buy some merchandise from your favorite artist. Help them offset some of the lost revenue.
Thanks for your comment, Donk. Much appreciated.
Im a Meniketti Wine Club member,I hope that helps.
Thank you for your support, Marty. Much appreciated.
Jill I’ve listened to Y&T since 80s and I’ll check out your site I’ll try to catch up. As a musician also I see how tough it is. Blessings
Thanks for stopping by Jackson. And thanks for your support.
I have a question, Jill (and forgive my ignorance on the subject): Can any of these veteran artists subsist off royalties of any kind? And were any of them able to put away a nest egg from money earned during their most successful periods?
Some certainly can. Some cannot–especially those who may have never reached gold or platinum album status, or those who signed away their publishing rights. Some of your favorite artists (I’m not talking about the top 1% of earners) barely made enough to pay their bills through the years, leaving nothing extra to invest or sock away.
I have thought about you guys through this. It’s a horrible situation the waiting and wondering with no help in the wings is not fair. I only wish the best for all of the musicians that have worked so hard over the years for something like this to happen. Fingers are crossed and many prayers for touring to resume sooner than later. One thing us fans will be chomping at the bit to rock hard!!
I find it terrible to think that our country wouldn’t support all people through this that are at a loss of income due to this pandemic. Performing live is a special experience for those performing and those watching. I hope that while it isn’t safe to travel that artists could do live stream performances. I know that I would pay to see shows this way because it gives me something to look forward to. I have tipped and purchased merchandise from my favorite artists for online shows. I would pay to see the shows so I pay what I can to support them.
Unfortunately, thus far, this corner of the business world hasn’t fit all the molds for federal assistance.
Thank you, Lindsay. All of your favorite artists most certainly appreciate your support.
Nobody saw this coming. The music “business” as a whole has been heartbreaking for the Rock N Roll genre. Gone are the days of big tours and Major Label backing. I know its a struggle for even the big acts of the past to continue in a world where smaller venues are played and crowds are diminishing. I personally support almost every great rock n roll band that comes through town playing these more intimate venues. Its a great chance to see the arena bands up close. Unfortunately even the smaller venues have the same problem with the pandemic. I wish I had answers to this problem. Everything in your article makes sense. A year can mean the end to a lot of this. I hope and pray that the entertainment industry can come through this. The independent bands that is. The folks you see on the Grammy awards dont concern me. Y&T, and many bands of this era are still relevant. Hoping for the best.
Indeed. Thank you for your kind words, Nik. All of your favorite artists greatly appreciate your support–now more than ever.
Thanks Jill for a really enlightening purposeful and well researched article.
My friends and I are in our 50s and have been following Y & T since our school days in the 80s.
Your article demonstrates the precarious nature that many people employed in many sectors across the world now find themselves in.
During these times we look we strong government and clear calm strategic leadership but unfortunately due to the rise of populism society has become more divided and fractious.
The demise of Trade Unions and professional associations has not helped
I hope that out of this dreadful pandemic new ways and new types of living emerge.
My friends and I truly appreciate your efforts and your regular tours over to the UK. For us they provide exceptional value for money but also for us the best live act we have ever seen.
Our best wishes go to the band and you, all whom work with you and to all Y & T fans everywhere.
The Earthshakers Ellesmere Port Crew
Thank you, Mark. We appreciate your support.
Sad to read this and every time y&t have played Belfast I’ve never missed a show because I know what it must take to put that show on .I always enjoyed a quick word with you always smiling when you used to do the merchandise stall.
Thanks for your support, Edwin. Much appreciated.
I’m sort of shocked about hearing about Tso. They sell out arenas big time yet there are financial problems? However, this is why it is important for musicians to be employees not independent contractors. For the few extra bucks they would pay every week they could get unemployment benefits. Things will get better!!! Have faith.
TSO is only seasonal work for those musicians; they tour with other bands the rest of the year. Unless TSO was out touring when the pandemic hit, traditional unemployment claims with that employer would not likely apply.
I hope the musicians have tax accountants helping them apply for loans, unemployment and checking the status of stimulus payments. I am a tax accountant and that’s what I’ve been helping my clients and some local musicians do here in Texas. If anyone needs assistance, maybe I can help.
Excellent, Lisa! Wonderful of you to help out your local musicians in Texas.
Well, ya know….. most of us musicians have/had day jobs, and there is a reason why: The music biz, even in good times, is a precarious one. Relying on the music business is like playing the lottery for a living. A few lucky people make a lot of money, but that’s not most musicians. When something like this virus stuff happens, it demonstrates, even more, the risky nature of relying solely on the music business. Lots of musicians have wives that work. That’s another work around for this uncertain business.
True for some. Others have wives who also work in the music industry. Regardless, professional bands and musicians ARE their own companies; many do not rely on record labels or the old models of the music industry. These are valid businesses that pay taxes and have business licenses. We’re all finding it difficult to see businesses in other sectors that are valued in the billions of dollars receive multi-millions in government assistance, and the small business owners (whether it’s a corner Italian restaurant or a professional touring musical group) are being locked out of those relief funds.
Just last night, this 90 minute production here in Canada aired: strongertogethercanada.ca which featured famous Canadians from all walks of life, not just musicians with proceeds going to food banks across the country. I haven’t heard how much it raised nor who or what it all took to produce it, but is there any chance that a similar production could be put together by all (or a good chunk of) the musicians that are affected here but have the proceeds go to some fund FOR the musicians themselves that need it? The concept of musicians stepping up to help causes is nothing new and no doubt those causes do benefit nicely! So why not musicians stepping up again but this time have their own musical family members deservingly reap the rewards? Eg. Let’s say there was a fundraiser that Y&T, Kip Winger, Ron Keel , etc. offered their time and talents to for a cause I believed in. To the best extent possible, I’m sure many fans of such artists would do what they can in the way of donations. I know I would! So I’m quite confident that these same many fans would no doubt take the exact same attitude and action if the cause this time was the livelihood of their favourite artists & music! Say for example that I’m willing to pay $60 to see Y&T but then I’m told that, due to things out of the band’s control, if I ever want to see them live, this one time I have to pay $80 with $20 of it being due immediately. To me that would be a nobrainer and I honestly think you’d get 1000’s of others feeling the same about whichever artists they’re hoping to see again soon! So kind of in line with Hear N’ Aid in the 80’s, if a group effort of influential people (not just the artists) could put together something like we saw here in Canada last night but show it not only in the U.S. bur rather any country you could and maybe live online too, I think the fans would come through big time! Unfortunately, I wouldn’t have a clue where to start a production like this but I do know that I’d be FULLY supportive at the other end of it and would do all I could to help the cause. Just like millions of others worldwide, my heart too lies in the 80’s era of music and I’m just so glad that so many artists that are able to keep rocking are in fact doing so! One day, that won’t be the case but since it for sure is humanly possible to make sure that that day is NOT now, let’s do it!!
It’s a great idea, Greg, and a major undertaking, though certainly not impossible. Musicians live in all areas of the country, many of which are still on lockdown. For example, the San Francisco Bay Area is on shelter-in-place orders through the end of May, so Y&T could not even get together to rehearse or perform until that order lifts.
Hey Jill, further to my idea and your reply, yes, I’m sure it would be a major task to put something together. But were you able to find a clip of and view what I meant by the Stronger Together thing from last Sunday here in Canada? If not, look for it. But if you have seen it, you’ll see that no artists did ACTUALLY get together so the fact that lockdowns still are in effect, didn’t come into play. There were some simple solo, acoustic performances of just some members of a band, some by whole bands simply each playing their respective part at home and then all put on the screen together and then other famous but non-musician people simply giving their appeal to help (eg. Mike Myers, Rick Hansen). As mentioned, I don’t have the smarts to run one but they definitely kept it on the simple end of things, not like a full fledged live concert! So really, if you did know someone who could produce such a thing, then it could be just filled with 3 minutes clips of artists pitching their appeal to donate, playing a few riffs of something unplugged and showing gratitude. And then from there, let the viewing fans take over and donate! We’d just have to make sure that the word gets out of when and where it would air. All artists sites, their Facebook pages, rock music pages like House of Hair, 80s Hairband World, Ultimate Classic Rock, etc. Like I said before, I’m sure you’d get 1000’s donating at least something! And then as for how the donations would be distributed to who, I guess that would be up to whoever would actually take the reigns on it. Maybe equally split between all artists that partake?? I think this would be great if it could happen! And no doubt some artists will gain new fans out of it too! That was one good thing about Rock Band and Guitar Hero…it exposed the great music of the 80’s to the generation that wasn’t even born then but that have since hopped on the band wagon! Or, if this whole idea simply just can’t be a go, then has anyone thought about respective GoFundMe campaigns for musicians? If not and since I’m sure they all have official fan clubs, how about put that idea in the heads of fan club presidents?? Or maybe even just some us “nobodys”, like me?? 🙂
To answer your many questions:
Yes, I saw some snippets and they were all, of course, prerecorded performances since syncing up live would pose a technological nightmare. Those with multiple performers on a song were edited together into one piece, so not a live performance. We’ve already been asked to participate in a few such things–though on a much smaller scale–to help benefit various charities. Yes, some artists are doing funding campaigns, including GoFundMe. Even our own Aaron has been live-streaming with requests for donations via PayPal and Venmo. Rest assured, we continue to research and discuss options.
Jill, I like your intelligent response. You present an interesting case. A few things come to mind when reading your words. How many professional musicians are presenting themselves as contractors (or employees) vs small businesses? I would think that these, being two different things, would mean that government financial help during the virus shutdown, would come from two different sources (unemployment insurance vs small business loans and de facto grants.) The next question is, and I ask it as a question, if you’re registered as a small business (business licence, tax status, etc.) then would not you have enough “evidence” to present yourselves as a legitimate small business to the Feds in regard to applying for financial help? Are small businesses diferentiated by type (ie entertainment biz in one category, restaurants in another, etc.) ? Then if you have the proof that you are, indeed, a legitimate small business, then you’d be in the same boat as other small businesses, in regard to getting government help during this time? And, if this “lack of availability of funds for musicians businesses” is a general policy, by the government, then this isn’t about musician’s businesses, this is about helping small businesses in general (ie, they are not singling out musician’s businesses, they are somewhat unhelpful to all small businesses)? Then about musicians as contractors and employees. These would probably fall under a different set category, in regard to government financial help during this time. Obviously the employee could apply for unemployment. The contractor might be able to do the same thing if he’d paid into the system for that type of thing? Lastly, with all of the publicity about larger businesses covertly siphoning off money intended for small businesses (and some of them getting caught doing it), hasn’t the Federal Government allotted even more money for small businesses? If you have answers to these questions, it would be interesting to read your response. You are obviously a bright person, and I’m sure that you could present some interesting information, and an interesting take on this subject.
I’ll respond below to your many questions (quoting you in bold):
How many professional musicians are presenting themselves as contractors (or employees) vs small businesses?
I have not taken a poll of everyone in my industry at all levels, but I can tell you that all artists are indeed businesses–some larger than others. Some bands are incorporated with employees and officers, and they pay salaries and pay all employment-related taxes; others are less formal, just a collective, if you will, of independent contractors/self-employed–who are each effectively their own business owners–who pay their own self-employment taxes including social security, though they do not pay employment taxes as they do not have employees.
I would think that these, being two different things, would mean that government financial help during the virus shutdown, would come from two different sources (unemployment insurance vs small business loans and de facto grants.)
Yep. Hence, my mention of PPP and PUA in the article–the former is for businesses and the latter is for independent contractors/self-employed persons. Any business owner/independent contractor can only apply for one, not both. Well, they can apply for both but can only accept one.
The next question is, and I ask it as a question, if you’re registered as a small business (business licence, tax status, etc.) then would not you have enough “evidence” to present yourselves as a legitimate small business to the Feds in regard to applying for financial help?
Yes, and some musicians have done so but have not received assistance.
Are small businesses diferentiated by type (ie entertainment biz in one category, restaurants in another, etc.) ?
It’s noted on the application but I don’t know how much lenders lean on the type of industry. However, judging by the stories of billion dollar companies receiving multi-millions in aid, I’d could take a guess.
Then if you have the proof that you are, indeed, a legitimate small business, then you’d be in the same boat as other small businesses, in regard to getting government help during this time?
Correct.
And, if this “lack of availability of funds for musicians businesses” is a general policy, by the government, then this isn’t about musician’s businesses, this is about helping small businesses in general (ie, they are not singling out musician’s businesses, they are somewhat unhelpful to all small businesses)?
Yes. As I’ve said, all small businesses are in the same position, whether it’s the corner Italian restaurant or a professional touring musical group. I focused on professional touring musicians in my article because that’s the field in which I work.
Then about musicians as contractors and employees. These would probably fall under a different set category, in regard to government financial help during this time. Obviously the employee could apply for unemployment. The contractor might be able to do the same thing if he’d paid into the system for that type of thing?
As I answered above, independent contractors do not pay into unemployment; they pay self-employment taxes and pay into social security.
Lastly, with all of the publicity about larger businesses covertly siphoning off money intended for small businesses (and some of them getting caught doing it), hasn’t the Federal Government allotted even more money for small businesses?
Yes, they just released a second round of funding. Just like all the small business owners that I know, many musicians are hopeful they’ll be included. Others are hopeful that the PUA will eventually kick in for unemployment. Everyone is in a holding pattern.
Just so sad to read this Jill
Let’s hope there some common sense and unemployed musicians get the benefit they deserve
I then hope things get back to normal
And the World gets Rocking again
Fingers crossed that we can say hello again on MORC 2021
Or at the very latest MORC 2022
Keep Smiling
Thanks, Peter. Can’t wait for that day.
Jill, thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Your answers were interesting an informative. It looks like it’s a tough time, not only for musicians and their businesses, but lots of different types of small businesses, as well. Patience and persistence is the only recourse, it seems. Musicians are well versed in persistence. It’s a requirement for the business. Your answers are interesting.
Hi jill
I believe as Lindsay says, live streaming could be an help. Not the same sure, but something. Did artists unite think about a streaming festival relive concert? Put together some bands and play streaming, interviews, interacting and make a fund, it could work I believe. USA for Music. Take care
It’s a good idea, Aurelio, and one we discussed back in March. However, California is still on shelter-in-place orders, as are our counties, making it impossible for the band to get together in one room. Also, John lives in another state; even if he could get a flight, I’m not interested in placing him at that risk. So far the band hasn’t worked out how to sync up a live performance of the same song from four different locations around the state/country. The band continues to discuss & research this, and when the restrictions lift in the San Francisco Bay Area they should be ready.
An excellent read Jill. It’s exactly the same in the UK too. As an Agent, I’ve seen my income dry up completely, yet my team are still working to reschedule a year of touring for numerous acts into next year. So effectively we are all working for nothing, and who knows how long we can sustain that.
I’m of the mindset that I just grit my teeth and get hope we all get through it.
Stay strong. Best to you, Dave, and the rest of the guys in the band
Thanks, Martin. I know you know that I’m in the exact same position. We do what we can while we’re all in this holding pattern. When the business of touring reopens, I’ll look forward to seeing you on the road again.
You Betcha. Be good to see you all again.
Stay strong, Stay well, and stay safe.
Hi, Jill. Yes, I have to agree with many comments and your explaination of how this awful pandemic is affecting the music industry and it’s artists. I’m an avid Y&T can and go to see them at our local venue in Southampton here in the UK. I have tickets for Saxon and Judas Priest in Munich end of June, flights and hotel booked and paid for! Not sure whether this will happen, The Quireboys Orchestral in September in London and Thunder end of November in London a lot of money!! But doubt whether tickets will be refunded the event organisers will be hit hard over this pandemic! So I can well and truly see where you are coming from Jill! Good Luck and hopefully when this is all over we eill.all meet up again at some point in the future!! My good wishes to the boys! Xxx
Thank you, Christine. Your support is greatly appreciated by every musician!
Very well written with all aspects where musicians have to deal with. Touring has become a very expensive way of bringing your music to the world, although the most authentic and beautiful way for me as a fan of live music. A pandemic like this punishes musicians double as hard: touring was already barely affordable and now they have to deal with the costs of cancellation of tours AND no income. All the best to all musicians, hope they can reach out to the world soon! Live music ROCKS
Indeed, Wesley. There’s just no substitute experience for a live performance, for the musicians and the audience. The four guys I manage LIVE for those two hours on stage each night.
Trump just posted this on his Fb today!
Said he’s working on helping musicians!!!
Great article…please support these bands any way you can now…these bands help keep these smaller venues open…both the venues and bands rely on our support to keep them going….
Thank you, Anthony.
Has anybody looked in to setting up a GoFund me?
Thanks for stopping by, Sarah. I’m sure some musicians have. They’re also using PayPal, Venmo, and other such apps for tips and donations.
I will continue to support all of my favorite bands even more when they come my way for shows. At this point I have purchased tickets to several shows in October hoping all this craziness subsides by then and we can get back to rockin’ out! Thank God I’m still seeing shows being booked in my area for this fall…Let’s go people, support these bands that got you through your tough times in life, we owe it to them to give it back!
Thank you, Kornel. Much appreciated.
Wayne Hsing (One of my favorite animal rights activists) explained this morning, on his FB page, that “gig” workers (Uber drivers, etc.) can now apply for unemployment in the state of California. Perhaps many musicians fit under this category? This information might be helpful to some of your friends and readers, Jill.
Yes, that’s why I included this in my original article above.
Okay, glad you saw and know what I’m talking about. And yes, I realize that it was all prerecorded, not live, but that too is what I had in mind in my suggestion. And I’m not surprised to hear that you’ve been asked to aid other charities but, whether you do or not, an artists-helping-artists one I think would be great and it could be televised or strongly advertised at least. I’m sure there’s more than just me out there in the “old school” but personally, I’m still in the radio and CD mode for music. I’ve yet to be a downloader, streamer, etc and not even sure if the old tools I use here even make it an option. Until 2 years ago, I’ll I needed and had in life technology-wise was a desktop PC, a landline & answering machine, small TV and a flip phone! My point is, I don’t know how widespread things can get communicated in today’s world to reach the maximum amount of people. But hey, if you say you’re constantly researching and discussing options, then hopefully one comes to fruition soon! Hey, if you haven’t already heard of this, maybe this is an answer!!??
https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/1168356/drive-in-concerts-bring-outdoor-music-back-to-lithuania-photos?fbclid=IwAR3VHN924S6SgUWHDuwmM7anenGt8pHBzBbDg7hs4P2mCrg3YmmaZCR60cw
Excellent solution!
Wow, Jill ! That’s quite a comprehensive list of questions and concerns. Good job in laying all of that out there in your writing.
This is precisely what promoters and venue owners are pondering. I’m hearing it daily. It’s just not as simple as “I’m opening my venue doors and you can’t stop me.” Nobody that I deal with wants to be that careless.
OK. It’s really a holding pattern, then. I just got booked for a later in the year gig. I think that they are anticipating the virus danger winding down a bit, plus requiring some social distancing at the winery. For Dave, are the venue owners looking at the later part of summer or the fall in terms of getting going again?
Wineries are different; plus, they don’t rely on ticket sales from live shows in order to survive. Keep an eye on the tour dates page to see what stays and what changes.
How much of a crew does the Y & T band take with them, when they tour? During the pandemic, is is possible to take a smaller group of people on tour? Of course, you guys have to bring musical instruments, but other than that, what other equipment do you generally bring ? Is is possible to play more shows per venue, to make up for less people being at each show? Is it possible to do more outside venues, where distancing is easier? Is it possible or desireable for Dave to do solo acoustic shows, temporarily, to keep interest in the band going (smaller venues)? Is it possible for Dave to do solo Television shows or radio shows (talk shows, etc. that feature guests who perform solo, in a studio)?
We’ve been touring for years with a skeleton crew of just three: 1 FOH engineer, 1 stage tech, 1 drum tech who doubles as merch. We can’t get much smaller than this. We can’t tour during the pandemic–nobody can at this point. Your other questions are what every venue owner and promoter has been pondering since the lockdowns started.
OK, thanks for the information. Has Dave done solo shows (acoustic stuff, possibly?) in the past? Would Y & T’s music translate to solo stuff (some music requires more pieces)? Do you think that your crowd would be interested in solo performances by Dave or would they just want a full band experience ?
No. Acoustic “solo” is Aaron’s thing, not Dave’s.