Coronavirus: Thousands urge UK government to aid music industry amid tour cancellations

The music industry contributes more than £14 billion to the UK economy

(Jason Bryant)

A petition asking the UK Government to help assist the music events industry in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak has amassed 24,000 signatures.

Since the outbreak, music venues across the UK have been reporting significant financial losses.

A number of musicians have already cancelled tour dates due to the pandemic, including Avril Lavigne, The Who, Green Day, Pearl Jam, My Chemical Romance, Madonna and Foals.

Music festivals are also having to be cancelled or postponed. Glastonbury organisers are yet to confirm whether the event will be going ahead.

This year's Coachella has been pushed back from April to October. Meanwhile, Record Store Day and South by Southwest (SXSW) have both been cancelled.

In response, industry bodies have asked for government assistance should the pandemic continue or worsen.

The petition to parliament reads: “The industry is worth more than £14 billion to the economy, with 25,000 businesses supporting over 500,000 employees – all of whom are nervous about whether their next event will go ahead or not, and how their income may be affected.

“I’d like the government to provide support to business & individuals struggling at this critical time.”