Stars back rescue fundraiser helping grass roots venues
Big names in the music business are backing grass roots venues at risk of closure by donating concert tickets to a fundraiser.
The Pet Shop Boys, Russell Watson, KT Tunstall, Jamie xx, Metronomy and Passenger have all pledged to play intimate gigs for Passport: Back to Our Roots.
For a £5 minimum donation to the campaign, music fans will be entered into the draw to win passes to the show of their choice for themselves and a guest.
The stars are backing the second draw, running until October 5 via crowdfunder. co.uk/passport-back-to-ourroots site.
When venues are able to open without social distancing requirements, winners will watch these concerts ...
Pet Shop Boys - Electric Ballroom, Camden, London
Russell Watson - Stoller Hall, Manchester
K T Tunstall - Windmill, Brixton, London and PJ Molloys, Dunfermline
Jamie xx – Corsica Studios, Elephant & Castle, London
Metronomy – Patterns, Brighton
Passenger – Komedia, Brighton
Speaking about the campaign KT Tunstall said: “Without grassroots music venues, there are no big acts. It’s as simple as that. The incredible eco-system of small venues exists, in the vast majority of cases, as labours of love. Constantly up against rapidly rising business rates and big developer interests, these essential community hubs are kept alive by often overworked owners and staff with an unending passion for music and the music lovers and musicians they serve.”
Russell Watson, the Salford born classical singer, said “Grassroots venues were crucial in the development of my career. I spent almost nine years in the working men’s clubs in the north-west of England before my touring career as a recording artiste.
“It’s heart-breaking to see so many of these venues – which are the fabric of our communities, where people gather to drink, procrastinate and be entertained – under such huge financial strain. Entertainment is essential to the U.K. It’s fundamentally crucial in driving a large part of our nation’s economy but also in the employment of hundreds of thousands of incredibly talented people – from lighting engineers to prima donnas. This is a time for us all to reflect on just what the entertainment industry means to us and to keep it alive during these unprecedented times.”
Speaking about his show, Jamie xx said “I chose Corsica Studios because it’s consistently one of the best places to hear dance music in London. I used to go almost every week when I lived in Brixton, and I’m definitely going to be there a lot more when we’re allowed to again.”
A whopping £75,000 was raised through the first draw for entry to concerts by Elbow, Public Service Broadcasting, Everything Everything, The Slow Readers Club and Ash.
Sally Cook, co-founder of Passport: Back to Our Roots said “We’re blown away by the incredible response to the first block of fundraisers, and want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who donated, and to every artist who pledged to play a grassroots venue show.”