Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of things that have been impacted by quarantine, social distancing and stay-at-home orders is incredibly vast. Small local businesses have struggled, and professional sports are being played in empty stadiums. There is no doubt that COVID-19 has affected everything in one way or another. However, one of the industries that have been impacted the most by the pandemic is the music industry.  

All traditional forms of live music, from world tours to summer music festivals, have been canceled for the remainder of 2020 or rescheduled for 2021 in hopes that conditions will allow live music to make its return to society. While concert goers are hopeful that they will be able to go see their favorite artists once again with these rescheduled dates, the future remains unknown. Many musicians have lost money by not being able to perform and from canceling tours that they had put a lot of effort towards. However, some artists have begun putting on virtual concerts for fans to watch from the comfort of their own homes, as well as drive-in concerts where fans can enjoy live performances while being socially distanced in their vehicles. Even though these types of quarantine concerts can’t compare to regular concerts, fans seem to be grateful for the experience. 

During these unprecedented times, musicians have been taking different approaches to their current situation of being stuck at home. Many artists are using this time to write new music and work on upcoming albums. Others are branching out to other platforms, such as Twitch, so that they can continue to put out additional content for their fans. Several musicians have been live-streaming Q and A’s on their social media accounts to keep in touch and interact with their fan bases. Unfortunately though, not all artists are taking the quarantine very well. Several have come forward about the impact that staying at home has affected their mental health. Back in June, Chris Motionless, the vocalist of heavy metal band Motionless In White, took to Twitter and gave an update on how he had been feeling while being stuck in his home. In his post, Chris stated, “My mental health is on a serious decline this year. Especially this month. I can’t believe how worthless I feel not being able to tour.” Soon after this post was made, many additional artists came forward saying that they had been feeling the same way, verifying that none of them were alone in the way they were feeling. 

Not only has the musicians themselves been having a hard time throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, but touring crew members have been struggling greatly. Music industry crew members, more commonly known as roadies, are people that are a part of a musicians touring productions who help set up the stage for performances by setting up backdrops, stage props, lighting, and other important aspects of any live show. They are the ones that make sure every concert goes smoothly and thanks to COVID-19, they are completely out of a job. While musicians still have some income from their music and merchandise sales, roadies have had no source of income due to no live music productions, and they will remain jobless until the music industry is fully back on its feet and touring may proceed. 

While the people of the music industry continue to push their way through COVID-19, here are some ways that you can help make a difference to both roadies and musicians. An organization called For The Nomads is doing what they can to help all of the touring personnel that are currently out of work by helping out financially. For The Nomads is currently accepting donations of any amount, as every cent helps support someone in the music industry. They also have merchandise and live auctions with items donated by bands and artists to support the organization with all proceeds going to For The Nomads. To see what’s currently available or to learn more, go to forthenomads.org. 

Another organization to support during the pandemic is MusiCares. Established by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, MusiCares is a foundation that helps musicians during critical times of need. Due to the impacts that the virus has had on the entire music industry, the organization has been busy getting involved with helping the musicians that have been affected the most, from medical expenses to financial assistance. MusiCares is currently accepting donations to help with COVID-19 relief funds. To donate or learn more about the organization, visit grammy.com/musicares.

While the music industry is in an uncertain state and the future of live music remains unknown, music lovers can still come together to support the industry in many different ways. Whether it’s through donating to an organization, buying merchandise from musicians, or simply streaming their music, fans will continue to show their love for their favorite artists and keep the industry alive with the hope that it will soon be able to make its full glorious return.