Live Nation establishes relief fund to help tour crew affected by coronavirus

Live Nation, one of the United States’ largest promoters paused all of their spring tours amid the coronavirus pandemic last month. Unfortunately, the cost of that is massively detrimental to all of the people whose livelihoods depend on the music industry, particularly crew members. 

Well, Live Nation is now trying to do their part by launching the Crew Nation initiative. Crew Nation is a $10 million benefit fund to aid tour crew members during the coronavirus pandemic. 

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Last month, AltPress reported that Live Nation suspended all their ongoing and future touring plans due to the coronavirus. The promoter AEG soon followed suit as what seemed like the entire music industry came to a grinding to a halt. 

Unfortunately, by stopping an entire industry, you take away a lot of money; money that would otherwise be in the pockets of the people working. 

The Recording Academy and MusiCares have already launched a fund to help musicians in the wake of COVID-19. Frank Iero of My Chemical Romance taught us some classic MCR songs in order for Fender to donate to the fund.

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Now, Live Nation following suit and working through Music Forward, which is a charitable non-profit foundation within the music industry. 

Live Nation is at first contributing $5 million that will go directly to supporting concert crews around the world. After that, Live Nation will match the next $5 million donated by everyone else. 

“Live music inspires millions around the world, but the concerts we all enjoy wouldn’t be possible without the countless crew members working behind the scenes,” A Live Nation statement says. “As COVID-19 puts concerts on pause, we want to extend a helping hand to the touring and venue crews who depend on shows to make a living. Crew Nation was created to do just that.”

“Crew members are the backbone of the live music industry, and we hope you’ll join us in supporting them through this temporary intermission until we can once again unite millions around the world through the power of live music.”

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Crew Nation’s goal is to ensure the crew members are taken care of at this time. 

“Crew like you are essential to the fabric of live touring,” the site reads. “You work behind the scenes to help artists and fans connect with the magic of live music, and Live Nation wants to ensure you are taken care of during this time.”

“Crew Nation is designed to help all the backstage staff that help bring concerts to life including: tour managers, production managers, riggers, sound engineers, backline techs, lighting directors/designers, special effects teams, carpenters, and more,” the website reads. 

“Music Forward Foundation will be selecting recipients based on an objective determination of need; employees of Live Nation will not be eligible to receive funding.”

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Live Nation goes on to say that they will be reaching out to crew tour members. The aid will go all around the globe to those affected by the tour postponements. They will also be opening up an application so that those who suspect they are eligible may apply for aid. 

Michael Rapino, the CEO of Live Nation also stated that his family donated $250,000 to the Crew Nation fund. 

Concerts wouldn’t be possible without the crew working behind the scenes to bring them to life. While concerts are on pause @LiveNation has committed $10 million to the #CrewNation fund, and the Rapino family will be donating $250,000.

For more information regarding Live Nation’s crew support fund, head here. If you or someone you know would like to donate, please head here. 

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