Stars line up for shows in aid of at- risk gig venues

PET Shop Boys, KT Tunstall, Russell Watson and Passenger have pledged to play shows to raise money for grassroots music venues at risk of closure.

The gigs are part of the Passport: Back to Our Roots campaign, which raises money through a prize draw for tickets to shows that will take place when social- distancing guidelines are relaxed. The campaign has already raised £ 75,000 from the first prize draw for entry to concerts by Elbow and Ash, among others.

Pet Shop Boys will perform at Camden’s Electric Ballroom, Russell Watson at Manchester’s Stoller Hall, Passenger at Brighton’s Komedia and KT Tunstall will be playing at two venues – Windmill Brixton and PJ Molloys in Dunfermline.

The shows will take place on dates to be confirmed and entry to the prize draw is offered in exchange for a £ 5 minimum donation to the campaign.

Passport: Back to Our Roots co- founder Sally Cook 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.

“The outpouring of support – we read all the comments! – just proves how important grassroots venues are to the UK’s music fans.

“£ 75,000 is an amazing start and will help make a real difference to the venues involved and the sector as a whole, but we’re not stopping there. We are really excited to be announcing this new group of artists this week.”

Tunstall added: “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.”