PRS for Music have announced that they have raised over £2.1m for their Emergency Relief Fund.
The fund was formed in collaboration with PRS Foundation and PRS Members’ Fund to support PRS’ writer members facing significant financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
To further fundraising efforts and raise awareness of the Emergency Relief Fund, PRS Presents LCKDWN, a 24-hour virtual gig featuring over 50 performances, took place online from midday on Friday 24 April. Viewers from more than 60 countries tuned in to see the likes of Tom Walker, Big Narstie, Alfie Boe, Nadia Rose, Joy Crookes, Katie Melua, Nitin Sawhney, Roachford, Linda Perry, Black Futures, KT Tunstall, D.J S.K.T, Oscar Jerome, Yizzy, Tim Wheeler (Ash) and Shadow Child perform.
Watch performances from Nitin Sawhney and Black Futures below.
Throughout the virtual gig, music royalty, including Melanie C, Nick Mason CBE, Joan Armatrading, Anastacia, Chris Difford, Rick Wakeman, Gary Numan and Peter Gabriel, all sent through video messages in support of the cause.
Andrea C. Martin, chief executive, PRS for Music, said: ‘We have seen first-hand the difference the PRS Emergency Relief Fund has made and I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has donated so far. Our members are under threat as many parts of the music scene grind to a halt. They need to eat, support their families and pay rent – without industry support the future is challenging during this terrible time. Together we can get through this.'
John Logan, general secretary, PRS Members' Fund, said: ‘It has been inspiring to see so many people in our industry and beyond getting behind the PRS Emergency Relief Fund. The PRS Members’ Fund has provided support to songwriters and composers for over 80 years and we’re proud that we can continue to do so throughout this incredibly trying time for all.’
PRS for Music member, actor, comedian, and writer, Matt Lucas, said: ‘The PRS Emergency Relief Fund has helped thousands of music creators since the pandemic began. Thank you, PRS, for helping to keep music alive.’
