Tom Dunne's Music & Me: Now is the time that musicians really need our help
Some of the people in Cork who are part of the National Campaign for the Arts' attempt to highlight the difficulties faced by musicians and others working in sector. Picture: Clare Keogh
I can feel his tension. He hasn’t played a gig since March 12. His Covid payment is getting cut. He has supported himself by music his whole life. He is 39 and his daughter is two. He’s been offered a wedding gig. “It’s in Wicklow! I’d be breaking the lockdown. If I get paid do I lose the Covid payment?” His dad is in at risk group. “You can’t do it,” I tell him, but sure he knows.
His brother also hasn’t had a gig since March. His band released a great album that month, now collecting dust. His girlfriend has been let go from a promotions company. She has rallied and set up her own business but the gigs she is promoting are next year.
