“Passport: Back To Our Roots” is a new campaign that will see artists play one-off, intimate shows at grassroots music venues. This campaign will take place once it is safe to perform without social distancing. For this reason, dates and venues are yet to be confirmed.
Elbow, Everything Everything, Public Service Broadcasting and The Slow Readers Club have agreed to get behind this incredible campaign and are the first artists to be announced. Elbow will be returning to Night & Day – a Manchester venue where they once performed three decades ago! Guy Garvey of Elbow says;
“This is a simple way of looking after the very roots of British music, and will result in some powerful, joyous shows when we can at last see each other again. I’m very proud to be involved”
When talking of the event, co-founder and Director of Operations at Manchester’s Band on the Wall says;
“It’s incredibly exciting to see artists supporting the grassroots venues that form the foundation of the UK’s live music industry, acknowledgingtheir importance and celebrating the unrivalled experience of watching your favourite bands up close and personal, surrounded by friends and united in appreciation for live music in all its loud and sweaty glory.”
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, small music venues are struggling to keep open. The sole purpose behind “Passport: Back To Our Roots” is to help raise money for grassroots music venues that are at risk of closure. To gain entry to one of these shows, there will be a prize draw every two weeks (from Monday 17th of August). For a minimum of a £5 donation, fans will be entered into a prize draw for a chance to win to a show of their choice and a +1.
The music industry thrives off of music venues. Without live music, the industry would fall flat. Small music venues are vital for musicians, technical crew, fans, and everyone in-between. For just £5, you could be helping a grassroots music venue near you stay in business. To be entered into the prize draw, visit their crowdfunder page here.
Will you be entering the prize draw and supporting “Passport: Back To Our Roots”? Let us know over on our Twitter! – @AboutThe_Noise