There have been dire predictions regarding live music venues closing at an alarming rate as a result of the pandemic. Predictions run as high as 90% of venues will close by the time things return to normal, although many of the corporate-owned entities should survive thanks to the recent $15 government aid package. Almost overlooked is the fact that most of the live industry runs on independant contractors that aren’t eligible for big government aid. If you’re not aware, this is the real backbone of the industry – the road crews that actually keep it all purring smoothly in the background.
Sound and lighting technicians, guitar/keyboard/drum techs, truck drivers, tour accountants and road managers, caterers, and union workers at the venues are just some of the behind-the-scenes talent that have made good solid middle-class livings for doing their part in the live music music business, and they’re dying on the vine because it has stopped.
Many artists think of their crews as family and have done all they can to help them during this crisis, but even an artist with deep pockets is suffering after a year without the lucrative revenue that comes from being on tour. As a result, many crew members have blown through their savings and 401Ks in an effort just to survive, with the light at the end of the tunnel never seeming to get any closer.
