Music promoter fears fund won’t save his business
The promoter behind the popular Kinross music destination Backstage Bar at the Green Hotel fears the money promised by the Scottish Government to be shared around arts venues will not rescue his business.
On Sunday the UK Government announced a £1.57 billion support package to help protect the futures of UK theatres, galleries, museums and other cultural venues.
That came just a few days after a £10 million fund for arts venues was announced by culture secretary Fiona Hyslop.
David Mundell started Mundell Music in 1999.
He describes the local economic impact of his long-standing music promotion business as“no flash in the pan”, pointing to the knock-on effect of punters who come to his live gigs in turn contributing to the fortunes of Kinross hotels, restaurants and bars.
But the 125-person capacity hall at the Green Hotel will only be allowed to admit 20 ticket holders if venues can only open with social distancing.
“You just cant operate on that number,”David explained.
“Since the last band we had in The Petty Heartbreakers in March before the lockdown - we’ve lost a whole year’s revenue because we don’t do much in the way of shows over the summer, condensing all activity into a busy six month window.
“I think it was wishful thinking on my part in the early days of the virus to move spring acts to October and November, I can count the number of bands still booked to play between now and Christmas on one hand.
“Regular treats like Andy Fairweather Low and Lindisfarne have cancelled.‘Mr Telecaster’ Albert Lee is still advertised as appearing in September, but that looks doubtful.”
Mundell Music Ltd has drawn a blank with the much-vaunted Creative Tourism and Hospitality Hardship Fund.
David said:“I have twice applied for financial help and twice been refused as‘not meeting the criteria’.
“Based on that disappointing experience, I’m doubtful we will meet the criteria for the help this latest announcement offers. Who exactly does qualify?
“I’m a member of the Music Revenue Trust and I’m glad to be on their radar, but the future is desperately unclear.”