COVID forces artistes to call off live gigs, again

‘COVID situation will have a severe impact on the music industry’

- Debarati S Sen and Riya Sharma

In light of the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, the unprecedented increase in the number of COVID positive cases in Mumbai,and the curbs set up by Maharashtra government to curtail its spread, most concerts, private gigs and stage events in the city stand cancelled or postponed.

Live performances that had picked up quite well in the last quarter of 2021, have all quieted down to a large extent under the current circumstances in Mumbai, despite it being the season for live music shows, concerts, events, college festivals and wedding gigs. The Maharashtra government has banned large gatherings and also put restrictions on the number of people that can attend events. That apart, in the last few days, Mumbai’s singer-musician community has had multiple Covid-positive cases including Sonu Nigam, Vishal Dadlani, Shankar Mahadevan and others. While musicians agree that the situation is tough, they urge fans to mask up and stay safe, and also talk about how this current phase will impact the music industry, once again.

ABOUT 80% OF THE EVENTS HAVE BEEN POSTPONED; IT’S DIFFICULT FOR MUSICIANS AND PEOPLE INVOLVED IN THE BUSINESS:

RAHUL VAIDYA

“About 80% of the events have been postponed. It is extremely saddening for the people who work in the live entertainment industry, especially those who survive on daily wages. It’s also very difficult for musicians. I have already started getting messages from people who are worried about what’s going to happen, but I am positive that this won’t last for very long,” says Rahul Vaidya.