The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated businesses, but as the government begins talking about new phases (takeaways are back on the menu, you can visit the beach and even drive thru coffee shops are serving caffeine shots again), one thing that remains crystal clear – the music industry is still stuck on pause.
The pandemic has pulled the plug on tours, and the bustling bars full of chattering music-lovers enjoying a pre-gig beer or two have been replaced by silence, writes Sammy Jones.
Fans are missing their fix of live entertainment, bands are stuck at home live streaming shows, and music-industry workers are questioning how they'll earn a living moving forward. Glum times.
The Craufurd Arms has been an integral part of the music scene in Milton Keynes for years; Bringing fantastic international names to town, and extending a hand up onto the stage for first-time players in the area.
Like venue owners everywhere, Jason Hall and Max Harvey were forced to shut up shop back in March. The venue postponed all gigs from March 20.
“It has been very weird! I have been going to gigs every week since I was 15 or 16, and putting on two or three shows minimum every week for the last 13 years,” Jason told Total MK.
“I think the longest time without an event before this was 10 days, which felt like a lifetime! I think this period of time will open people's eyes to just how important entertainment, music and culture is in their lives.”
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Faced with uncertainty and a staff force of 16 (plus eight more employed at the adjoining tattoo parlour), The Craufurd Arms launched a Crowdfunder campaign to support its staff and pay some of the bills, which come in at around £2.5k weekly.
To date, the campaign has attracted hundreds of supporters and raised an incredible £24k.
It's an amazing amount, and has wowed the staff.
“Max and I want to say a huge 'thank you' to everyone, whether you have brought some merchandise, ordered some beers or even just sent us a message of support.
“The whole Craufurd team, from the top to the bottom have been blown away! It's absolutely incredible to see how loved and supported the Craufurd is.
“As one of the owners, I focus on making it accessible and welcoming as a venue, but you can sometimes lose sight of how important it is to people. The show of support has been staggering,” Jason said.
The team are trying to stay positive, buoyed by the community support, but the uncertainty still weighs heavy.
“The government are looking to possibly open pubs and bars in July, but that doesn't include venues. We are still deeply concerned. We had calculated for a closure lasting three months. Any more than that and we are heading in to the unknown. The brewery still wants its rent, the PRS are still chasing for its license fees and the standing costs continue to build up and we have no substantial foreseeable income.
“Even when we do open, are people going to risk going out? Who knows...”
If you haven't donated yet, you need to get on it right away – there's not long left to swell the campaign coffers.
“We have some amazing rewards for donating, including your name on the wall of fame, exclusive t-shirts, gig tickets and naming rights of drinks to offer,” Jason promises, “You will also receive the fuzzy warm feeling knowing you played part in helping the Craufurd survive this terrible pandemic and come out the other side doing what we do best – and we'll be even bigger and better!”
Pick up your plastic pal and go show your support in pounds and pence - the campaign comes to an end tomorrow (May 13 at 4.09pm)
Click https://bit.ly/2YUuhGt to donate.
