OHMYGOSSIP — Tim Burgess fears the next generation of performers will only come “from certain sections of society”.
The 53-year-old musician – who is best known as the lead singer of The Charlatans – fears for the long-term future of the creative industries due to the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
He said: “Even before the pandemic, it wasn’t looking good for any artists who were just starting out.
“Live music was the final place where most bands could still earn enough to follow their dream. And six months ago that disappeared, with no return in sight. An entire summer of music festivals cancelled, along with the worlds of stand-up comedy, West End theatres and touring shows – all gone.
“The worry is that the next generation of performers will come only from certain sections of society.”
Tim thinks the government is mistaken if it’s looking at the arts sector as “some sort of luxurious, decadent hobby”.
The music star believes that more needs to be done in order to protect the future of the industry, suggesting it needs the same level of support as other areas of the UK economy.
Writing in the Guardian newspaper, he explained: “Other countries have found a way to protect their citizens who work in the arts world – and when we somehow get back to a version of normal, won’t it be the bands, the musicals and the plays that provide an escape? Just as books and music have been a beacon of light in the darkness of lockdown.”
Tom jokingly added: “Just in case you think I am retraining as a journalist, that’s not the case.
“When I left ICI Runcorn in 1989, I was called into the office on my last day and told, that if things didn’t work out ‘with the music thing’, my job would be kept open. That was over 30 years ago, but it looks like I may be making that call. I even kept my ID card, just in case.”
Source: VacationHunter.Online
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