Robert Plant, Ozzy Osbourne, Alice Cooper and Dave Grohl are among 600 artists who have written an open letter to Congress urging them to help save independent music venues in the U.S. The National Independent Venue Association posted the letter yesterday (June 18) and revealed a list of the signatories asking the government to financially support over 1000 independent venues that are facing permanent closure through the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Other signatories on the list included Trent Reznor, Josh Homme, BEARTOOTH, CANNIBAL CORPSE, ALTER BRIDGE, GWAR, HALESTORM, MINISTRY, MOTIONLESS IN WHITE, QUEENSRŸCHE, SEVENDUST, SICK OF IT ALL and SHINEDOWN. An excerpt from the letter said: "We will know America is 'back' when our music venues are filled with fans enjoying concerts safely. "The live music experience is inextricably tied to our nation's cultural and economic fabric. In fact, 53% of Americans — that's 172 million of us — attended a concert last year. We are asking you to support NIVA's request for assistance so these beloved venues can reopen when it's safe and welcome us and our fans back in. The collapse of this crucial element in the music industry's ecosystem would be devastating. "We urge you to remember we are the nation that gave the world jazz, country, rock & roll, bluegrass, hip hop, metal, blues, and R&B. Entertainment is America's largest economic export, with songs written and produced by American artists sung in every place on the globe. All of these genres of music, and the artists behind them, were able to thrive because they had neighbourhood independent venues to play in and hone their craft, build an audience, and grow into the entertainers that bring joy to millions." The letter continued: "Independent venues give artists their start, often as the first stage most of us have played on. These venues were the first to close and will be the last to reopen. With zero revenue and the overwhelming overhead of rent, mortgage, utilities, taxes and insurance, 90% of independent venues report that if the shutdown lasts six months and there's no federal assistance, they will never reopen again. "We are asking you to support NIVA's request for assistance so these beloved venues can reopen when it's safe and welcome us and our fans back in. The collapse of this crucial element in the music industry's ecosystem would be devastating. "With respect and solidarity, we, as artists and as community members ourselves, urge you to pass federal legislation that will help #SaveOurStages." Earlier in the month, NIVA conducted a survey which found that nearly all of independent music venues may be forced to close their doors for good due to the coronavirus pandemic. 2,000 members from all 50 states took part in the survey, which found that 90% of the venues "will close permanently in a few months without federal funding." NIVA recently sent a letter calling on Congress to provide assistance in the wake of the "unique and dire situation" facing the industry.
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