Deputy Mythen seeks supports for musicians who have lost livelihoods

ADDITIONAL supports are being sought for scores of professional musicians across the county who have seen their livelihoods and earning capacity wiped out as a result of Covid-19.

Performers from across the county have seen bookings disappear from their calendars as pubs and venues across the country implement restrictions and settle on what a ‘new norm’ will look like.

Sinn Féin TD Johnny Mythen is calling for musicians and artists to be given a lifeline and has urged Minister Catherine Martin to provide additional supports to the entertainment industry as, for them, the crisis continues.

‘I have been contacted by a lot of musicians across the county who are in fear of losing their profession, and I am concerned this fear is replicated by many around the country,’ he said. ‘It’s likely that many of these musicians will be the very last to return to work. Realistically they will need a little more help than others as I believe the resumption of playing in hotels, bars and other hospital environments will not happen until much later on in this year or next year. Many entertainment acts in the wedding industry will also have suffered greatly with the widespread postponement and cancellations in this sector.’

Deputy Mythen says that the financial stress also extends to others associated with the industry, such as lighting technicians and sound engineers with gigs and shows not taking place.

‘ They are the forgotten sector and seldom mentioned in any government documentation despite being an integral part of our culture and tourism Industry,’ Deputy Mythen concluded. ‘ There is an opportunity to change this now and to show our gratitude to the artists and performers who kept our spirits up during this crisis.’