With an online summit to discuss the matter this week, several figures in the English music industry have again criticized the UK government for the lack of action and clarity when it comes to alleviating the economic and bureaucratic pressure that Brexit has placed on when planning your European tours. (via NME)
The English Executive has failed, at least for the moment, when it comes to negotiating with Europe the possibility that artists and their work teams can go on a tour of the Old Continent without work permits, which would cause immense financial costs, as well as an immense amount of paperwork that would complicate the already difficult production of an international tour. That, on a practical level, it would not affect bands like, for example, Queen, given its powerful economic and personnel muscle, but yes to young artists who are beginning to make themselves known and who cannot afford the costs of going on tour with the current conditions.
In addition, it is warned that thousands of jobs and a lot of money (millions) could be lost when it comes to road and transport equipment.
Now, with this summit, titled #CarryOnTouring Between the United Kingdom and Europe, about to take place, the English government has been criticized for not having made the situation clearer for English artists seeking to tour Europe. A work team with representatives from all the cultural and creative sectors of the United Kingdom is already working on the situation, but it is said that nothing has yet been made clear from it.
David Martin, CEO of the Featured Artist Coalition, a UK trade body representing music rights and interests, with members including bands like Radiohead, tells NME that “Things are just not moving as fast as they should.”
“While it may seem encouraging to hear representatives of the Government, and even the Prime Minister, continually affirm that they are prioritizing this issue, pretty words won’t save artists’ careers or other music businesses”, dice Martin a NME. “The barriers that professionals face after our departure from the European Union are real and potentially terminal. The realities that, five months after an agreement was reached, the music industry is not moving forward ”.
“The Government must carry out decisive and immediate action by providing a package of means of financial support to the tours and must fulfill its promises by quickly reaching sustainable and long-term solutions.”
Tomorrow, May 20, will take place the online summit #CarryOnTouring which is a bet for “to show support for professionals and artists when it comes to touring”And whose livelihood has been impacted by Brexit. This event has been organized pro Tim Brennan, a freelance video technician who used to work recording concerts. So far, his petition has received 280,000 signatures, but has been rejected by the English executive, which continues to blame Europe.
Carry On Touring – Real People, Real Lives, Real Jobs
Join us for our online summit on 20th May.
We are bringing together industry figures and politicians from across the UK & EU to discuss the touring issues after Brexithttps://t.co/iixRtRt4tt pic.twitter.com/KmuCINtCSn
— Carry On Touring Campaign (@CarryonTouring_) May 10, 2021
“We are not wiser than we were in January”, dice Brennan. “I think there are things going on and forms of discussion between the industry bodies and the government, but I really don’t feel that there have been any important steps regarding the EU. Every time we ask for previews, it’s like a broken record. It doesn’t inspire me ”.
“Time goes by. It’s okay to sit down and argue, but if it weren’t for the COVID nightmare, we couldn’t have worked anyway either. We still don’t know what we are going to do ”.
“The great artists will have a huge entourage that will solve all the mess and, in one way or another, they will go on tour. However, they are small artists and new bands who can lose a lot. When it comes to documents, visas, work permits and others, it does not seem that the government provides any clarity when it comes to telling us what is really happening. The government opened a website and the reality is that what it says is: ‘If you are going to do this, then it is best that you check that everything is in order.’
About the event, Brennan states that her goal is to: “Increase public perception that this problem is still here and needs a solution.”
“It is an event for the public to demonstrate broad support for the campaign and a wake-up call to the government to make an exception”, he says. “With venues starting to open and bands trying to schedule tours, we’re going to start missing out on losing shows for the bands and work for the teams. Going on tour as we remembered it is no longer possible “.
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