LIVE reacts to new London restrictions

14.12.2020.

Faced with the cancellation of many Christmas shows, and further restrictions on the capital’s live music scene, industry figures have reacted to the news of London moving into Tier 3 today.

“The live music industry in London has worked so hard to make venues Co id-secure, so it’s a huge blow to be forced to close again. This will lead to the collapse of hundreds of gigs, from grassroots music venues to shows at the Royal Albert Hall and the SSE Arena, Wembley, with the loss of more than 6,000 much-needed shifts for staff or freelancers,” says Phil Bowdery, Chair, Concert Promoters Association.

“The Government must ensure they are providing real support for the industry until it can recover to protect the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of people and businesses across the UK. It’s particularly hard to understand why people in London will be able to go into crowded shops this weekend, but will not be able to attend a carefully controlled, socially-distanced music venue.”

MVT CEO Mark Davyd added: “The safety of the public remains the number one concern of grassroots music venues. These venues are adopting the very best practice, closely adhering to safety guidelines, and it is obviously disappointing that despite these efforts venues in London are facing a further period of complete closure. We hope that the compensation package that will be required to compensate for their losses will be quickly delivered, effective and comprehensive.”