In its 25th year, Stagehand launched the Christmas fundraiser, #I Love Live 3. This year’s campaign recognises the immense challenges faced by the live event production industry and aims to provide crucial support to UK-based touring and festival crews dealing with serious physical or mental ill health.
This year, #I Love Live 3 will see signed set lists from a star-studded lineup including Paolo Nutini, Prodigy, Nile Rodgers, Bring Me The Horizon, Duran Duran, James Bay, New Order, Natalie Imbruglia, Everything Everything, Blossoms, Wet Leg, Maisie Peters and The 1975, plus a drum skin from Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. Additionally, unsigned memorabilia from Michael Jackson’s ‘This Is It’ Tour, and a piece originally owned by Pink Floyd will be included.
Jonathan Higgs, frontman of art rock band Everything Everything, emphasised the crucial role crew members play in touring activities, “Our crew are a vital part of our touring activities; we couldn’t do it without them. I’d encourage all live music fans to get involved and give back to the people behind the scenes,” he stated.
Lighting Designer Tom Campbell of MIRRAD, highlighted the critical need for supporting wellbeing amongst music stage and road crew, he noted, “In a high-pressure industry that runs primarily on a skilled, freelance workforce, ensuring that we look after both our own wellbeing and that of our peers on the road is critical. Our sector has been through a lot over the last few years, and with support from charities like Stagehand, we have got through it. I hope people support this fundraiser and continue to acknowledge the backstage ecosystem that is part of every musical performance.”
Stagehand is at the forefront of recognising the importance of mental health in the industry and has been actively funding Mental Health First Aid Training courses since 2017. The charity supports training and retraining activities due to illness or injury, offering bursaries for freelance workers to undertake Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training through its delivery partner, Music Support.
