Why Does The Aus Music Industry Need More Support? Just Look To The US Right Now

Amid ongoing lockdowns and the total decimation of our live sector, Australia's music industry is screaming for more support. 

In the past few weeks, there's been calls for a government-backed insurance scheme like that in the UK to support promoters, as well as the need for a roadmap out of this crisis for the industry to recover. Then there's also the ongoing toll on music industry workers and artists mental health after nearly 18 months of capacity restrictions, cancellations and mass unemployment. 

Add in now that there's concerns around what Australia's AstraZeneca vaccine means for international touring artists and it remains a bleak picture with very little help from the Federal Government.

Looking to the US, it's immediately clear why we need this assistance to create a sustainable plan for the music industry while 1) living under ongoing restrictions and snap lockdowns amid the pandemic, and 2) making our way out of restrictions once Australia reaches its 'herd immunity' levels of vaccination. 

While America was leading the way with their vaccination rates and therefore the renewal of its touring sector - providing hope to Australia of what is possible if we can just get enough people vaccinated - is now experiencing a surge of cancellations and new restrictions amidst the surge of Delta variant cases in the country. More so, the country continues to see a divide between those choosing to get vaccinated and those who aren't. 

Earlier this week, alt-country artist Jason Isbell and his 400 Unit band announced the cancellation of their show in Houston, Texas after the venue they were due to perform at "was not willing to comply with the band's updated Health and Safety standards". These standards specify that attendees either "are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (at least two weeks after final dose) and provide proof of vaccination; ie. original vaccination card, copy of vaccination card, picture of vaccination card" or "will take a COVID-19 diagnostic test (PCR or antigen) within 72 hours of attending each event and will provide proof of negative result to security prior to entry into the facility". 

Additionally, those who have been exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 case or are exhibiting symptoms are entitled to a refund for their ticket. 

Isbell's practices have been highly publicised this week - mostly due to backlash from those unwilling to comply - but he's just one example of a fast growing practice in the US for live events. Just today, ACL Live has shared a statement that those seeing Kesha at her show in Texas next week will be required to meet similar measures, while also masks are also mandatory for entry. 

"I can't wait to see you next Wednesday!!! In light of recent COVID news, we need to put the safety of our Animals [Kesha's fanbase nickname] first and require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test. Let's boogie," said Kesha in a statement today. 

The UK is also implementing similar measures with Australian group Gang Of Youths also requiring a proof of a negative COVID test to gain entry to their London show this weekend. Live Nation in the US are also standing behind the calls, with the requirement that all attendees and staff either need to be vaccinated or present a negative test to gain entry to venues. 

While these practices are starting to come into play, larger festivals and events are not yet confident to proceed. Earlier this week, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival - a festival that normally draws in around 500,000 patrons each year - which was due to take October was cancelled. 

It's not just concern over COVID spread in crowds either with artists concerned about their own well-being in the touring environment. Solo artist and Fleetwood Mac stalwart Stevie Nicks announced the cancellation her 2021 shows yesterday. 

"These are challenging times with challenging decisions that have to be made. I want everyone to be safe and healthy and the rising COVID cases should be of concern to all of us," said Nicks in a statement. 

"While I'm vaccinated, at my age, I am still being extremely cautious and for that reason have decided to skip the five performances I had planned for 2021. Because singing and performing have been my whole life, my primary goal is to keep healthy so I can continue sining for the next decade or longer. 

"I'm devastated and I know the fans are disappointed, but we will look towards a brighter 2022." 

On the opposite side of the coin is the popular Strugis Motorcycle Rally, complete with artists like Corey Taylor, Puddle Of Mudd, Kid Rock, Stone Temple Pilots and more on the line-up, which is continuing this week despite "heightening Delta superspreader fears" with its 700,000 strong crowd. The fears aren't uncalled for either given that last year's festival resulted in a superspreading event so significant that a study was conducted on it following an estimated 263,708 COVID cases emerged.

While this is a lot of bad news for the wider industry, this entirely backs calls from Australian promoters, venues and artists that our country needs a clear plan for its live music recovery.  

The Green Room With Tiana Speter podcast has taken a look at the issues facing the Australian music industry a year and a half into the battle with COVID-19, speaking with industry leaders, politicians and artists about the devastating impact. Listen here.