With a backlog of gigs and uncertain rules around reopening, bands and venues are worried as UK pandemic wanes
The government’s roadmap suggests that a return to live music is on the horizon but, thanks to a combination of a huge backlog of gigs, continuing global Covid infections, and unclear conditions for reopening, musicians, bookers, promoters, and club owners say it is far from certain.
On Tuesday, Nicola Sturgeon announced that indoor and outdoor events could return in Scotland from 17 May, subject to capacity restraints. In England, performances are scheduled to return from the same date, with limited capacities, and nightclubs will reopen no earlier than 21 June. Anton Lockwood, a director at leading live music promoter DHP, says: “That’s all very well, but we’re really waiting to hear what the conditions of opening will be. The worry is that we’ll get lumbered with something that is unworkable.”
