17/03/2020
Currently we remain open - all booked gigs will go ahead, unless cancelled by the promoter - we're happy to accept that many promoters will want to err on the side of caution. However, as a result, promoters finding themselves suddenly without a venue for a previously promoted gig are welcome to get in touch, as we may well be able to re-house you. It's hard to make a call on this, but the bottom line is, this is how we earn our living and we can't afford to close for an indefinite future. To that effect I'm re-posting this post re Gigs & Venues Vs Corona Virus - PLEASE READ.
'Jesus Boris Johnson is a fu***ng scumbag isn’t he? He’s “advising” people to “avoid” bars and theatres?! But he’s not actually closing them. In case anyone isn’t clear about what this means let me lay it the f**k out...
Small theatres, independent bars and venues, comedy clubs and similar businesses could (in many cases) claim on their business insurance if they were forced to close.
That would enable them to stay afloat and compensate at least the hardest hit of their performers, front of house staff and technicians.
Instead many places have no choice but to stay open. Many performer and FOH and techs will have no choice but to show up and get paid knowing they are helping to bankrupt the businesses they depend on. Inevitably some audience will show up. We’ll be relieved to see you and take your ticket money.
People will die as a result of going to events and catching the virus. More still will die as a result of losing their livelihood. Some from the effects of poverty and desperation, some from a broken heart as their hopes and dreams they’ve built up over decades wash away.
Small venues, bars, theatres, live music, are the lifeblood of arts in the UK. Killing them off will decimate the arts.
Who benefits? Firstly the big insurers. The only job of insurance companies IS to provide back-up when things go wrong. They’ve taken premiums from us year after year and rarely had to pay out. If they’re let off the hook then honestly what is the point of their existence.
In the longer run: property developers who will buy up historic theatres and loved-by-locals gems and turn them into FLATS.
Mark my words. This is pure evil. He is taking MY job and your CULTURE and turning them into a tasty payout for his RICH MATES.'
[feel free to share]
Thanks to .stakeout Jason Wilson for original post.
