Financial Lifeline Announced For Live Performers Affected By COVID Cancellations

APRA AMCOS has announced a $1.5m lifeline for live performers affected by COVID.

The organisation will pay members performance royalties for gigs, concerts and festival appearances that were cancelled as a result of Omicron from 1 October 2021 to 28 February 2022.

“Just as it felt like things were starting to open up and live music was ready to kick off a successful summer season, the latest COVID-19 wave once again cancelled live events causing substantial financial loss and emotional strain to our members and the broader industry,” APRA Chair Jenny Morris said.

“The APRA Board has approved this initiative so that swift action can be taken to support our members and pay them for the royalties they would have made from the live performances of their songs.

“When a gig is cancelled, many are affected financially, professionally and personally. But there is an intangible cost as well when our artists are unable to bring communities together, connect with their fans and when they miss out on the career development that literally can only happen on stage.”

APRA AMCOS Chief Executive Dean Ormston added: “APRA AMCOS is putting royalties into the pockets of our members for the performances they intended to play. They planned, prepared and practiced and through no fault of their own, once again they lost work and income.

“We urgently call on government leaders to provide direct support to the artists, sole traders and small to medium businesses through a wage subsidy program, ongoing crisis support through Support Act, micro-business grants and a national insurance scheme.”

APRA AMCOS members have until February 28 to submit claims for cancelled performances with payments to be distributed in March.

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