Live music is for everyone, so we believe in #MusicWithoutBarriers
Thanks to everyone that has supported #MusicWithoutBarriers so far, thousands of people have pledged their support to our online campaign and it has attracted some extremely high-profile support and press coverage.
Stevie Wonder, Chvrches and Belle & Sebastian join the campaign
STEVIE WONDER, CHVRCHES and BELLE AND SEBASTIAN are the latest major artists to give their backing to #MusicWithoutBarriers - the recently-launched Attitude is Everything campaign that is that is highlighting music industry support for millions of Deaf and disabled fans to gain equal access to live music, by encouraging UK festivals and venues to sign the charity’s Charter of Best Practice.
The online initiative has already won support from a wide range of musicians, including Alt-J, The Cure, Franz Ferdinand, Villagers, Mystery Jets, Foals, Robert Wyatt, The Temper Trap and Anna Calvi, as well as more than 90 UK festivals and venues who have already signed the Charter.
Stevie Wonder, who gave an impassioned speech in support of disabled access during his headline Glastonbury performance in 2010, said:
"I strongly support the campaign by Attitude is Everything to gain full accessibility for people with all kinds of disability to festivals, shows and all areas of entertainment. It is incredible to me that in this day and age such a campaign should still be needed.
“There are many people out there for whom, what should be a time of enjoyment turns into a nightmare because of a lack of information and facilities being made available by those who are in charge of putting on events. A little thought and a bit more compassion could transform the lives of many. This should be a commitment made by everybody, from private citizen at street level to government level."
Social media support
There have been over 1,500 tweets using the #MusicWithoutBarriers hashtag so far, including tweets from Alt-J, Frank Turner, Q Magazine, Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds festivals. #MusicWithoutBarriers could have reached as many as 5 million people on Twitter and Facebook alone.
Press coverage
It’s clear that equal access to live music is a concept that travels well. Articles about #MusicWithoutBarriers appeared as far afield as Spain, USA, Chile, Australia, Mexico, Russia and Brazil.
Impact
Our campaign engaged thousands of people with the subject of live music accessibility, helped to change attitudes towards disability, led to new donations and fundraising support, demonstrated the demand and support for Deaf and disabled people to attend live music, resulted in new venues and festivals contacting us to sign up to the Charter and raised awareness of the fact that live music is for everyone.
What you can do
#MusicWithoutBarriers isn’t over - lots of bands, venues and music fans are still tweeting using the hashtag, and we urge you to as well. Keep sharing, keep supporting and keep spreading the word.
If you haven't already, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to keep up with everything we’re doing to help create equal access to live music for everyone. |
More messages of support
“When I was a roadie (in the 80’s!) the people in wheelchairs used to be up on stage with us. Side stage, to be precise. You couldn’t see much and the sound was terrible, but it was the best we could do. As far as other disabilities went, there was no provision, no awareness. Things have come a long way since then. You had to be hardcore to have a disability and go and see a gig back then. It shouldn't be that hard.
“Rock ‘n’ roll is THE inclusive art form. It’s a broad church and the door should be wide open to everyone. We sing about all kinds of people: we should be seen by all kinds of people! And on an equal footing.
“Popular bands are powerful entities. They can choose the festivals and venues they want to play, thus ensuring the good places thrive. I would encourage bands to play in the kind of places where EVERYONE is going to have a great time.
“So, bug you’re favourite bands, make them think about their choice of venue! Register your support for the campaign at www.musicwithoutbarriers.org."
Stuart Murdoch of Belle and Sebastian
"I support the #MusicWithoutBarriers campaign because live music should be for everyone - and, sadly, at the moment, it often is not. It is up to performers, venues, festivals and anyone else involved in the music industry to support organisations like Attitude Is Everything, ensuring that we operate in an inclusive way to improve access and facilitate further discussion.”
Lauren Mayberry of Chvrches
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