A number of prominent musicians and names within the Manchester music scene have condemned Rishi Sunak’s comments appearing to suggest arts workers should “find other jobs”.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer’s comments have gone on to cause uproar online.
In a video-recorded and printed interview with ITV Politics this morning, Mr Sunak appeared to issue some vague remarks about what people working in the arts should do as the industry struggles amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
He said: “I can’t pretend that everyone can do exactly the same job that they were doing at the beginning of this crisis.
“That’s why we’ve put a lot of resource into trying to create new opportunities.”
ADVERTISEMENT
He then went on to say that government is “trying to do everything we can to protect as many jobs as possible”, but conceded that unemployment is “likely to increase”.
When asked whether he was suggesting some of the UK’s “fabulous musicians and artists and actors” should get another job, Sunak said “as in all walks of life everyone’s having to adapt”. He continued: “Can things happen in exactly the way they did? No. But everyone is having to find ways to adapt and adjust to the new reality”.
ADVERTISEMENT
The ITV article was later updated to state: “This article has changed to reflect that the Chancellor’s comments were about employment generally and not specifically about the music or arts sector.” however, Sunak’s comments still caused anger from those working in the struggling arts sector.
Now, well-known names on the Manchester music scene have had their say.
Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher, The Smith’s guitarist, co-songwriter and solo artist Johnny Marr, Charlatans’ lead singer and solo performer Tim Burgess, and Bolton-born singer/songwriter Badly Drawn Boy have all taken to Twitter this afternoon to address Mr Sunak’s controversial comments on the arts sector.
ADVERTISEMENT
In his expletive-filled rant, Liam Gallagher asked the government to “show a bit of respect”.
So the dopes in gov telling musicians and people in arts to retrain and get another job what and become massive cunts like you nah yer alright c’mon you know LG x
He also went on to state that: “If anyone needs to retrain, it’s [the government]”.
The same sentiment was echoed by Tim Burgess, who also called on Chancellor Rishi Sunak to talk with him about the struggles the arts sector is currently facing.
Hey @RishiSunak – I think we need to talk about this : /
Johnny Marr questioned the Chancellor’s comments with regard to the content produced by the arts sector and consumed by the public during lockdown.
This is someone running the country. How about you not have your movies, TV shows, Netflix etc during lockdown ? All the music, paintings, art in the culture since time began. Moron. pic.twitter.com/jyBXf2sjde
Sacha Lord – Night Time Economy Advisor for Greater Manchester – has also hit back at the Chancellor’s comments today.
The co-founder of Warehouse Project and Parklife has continued to be vocal on the topic on Twitter and in the media over the past few months, and more significantly in the wake of the #CancelTheCurfew campaign – the nationwide campaign calling on the UK government to remove the curfew which requires venues to shut at 10pm – where he has previously that the lack of support would result in “a tidal wave of redundancies” across the country.
Taking to Twitter to respond to Rishi Sunak’s comments this afternoon, Mr Lord indicated that the government is “killing off our scene”.
He also called on live music fans to “remember this when we are through it”.
Today, the Chancellor has said musicians and others in the arts industry should look for another job.
That includes your favourite DJ….
If you like to go to nightclubs/events/festivals, just remember this when we are through it.
Earlier in the day, Mr Lord had also taken to Twitter to call on the government to “urgently introduce a sector-specific support package” and stated that the night time economy would not survive without it.
ADVERTISEMENT
One of the significant points in his call was to “cancel the current 10pm curfew” for public safety.
Today I am calling on the Government to urgently introduce a sector-specific support package if the night time economy is to survive #WeAreViablepic.twitter.com/HFbv9RF944
Rishi Sunak has since responded to the backslash surrounding his comments.
Following the change in headline of the originally-published ITV article to reflect the nature of the comments in the interview, the Chancellor took to Twitter to respond to the widespread criticism he has received throughout the day.
He indicated that the original article headline “falsely suggested” his thoughts on the arts sector.
An earlier @itvnewspolitics tweet falsely suggested I thought people in arts should retrain and find other jobs.
I'm grateful they have now deleted that tweet. I care deeply about the arts which is why our £1.57bn culture package is one of the most generous in the world. https://t.co/raEXxXUMqx
Mr Sunak also went on to say that he “cares deeply about the arts”.
He then referenced the government’s £1.57 billion culture package – which he called “one of the most generous in the world” – as a reason to back up his supportive stance.
Audio
Much-loved Manc music shop Tasty Records goes up for sale as owners calls on next custodians to take over local favourite
Danny Jones
Much-loved Greater Manchester record and music store Tasty Records has officially closed, and the current custodian is putting the Trafford institution up for sale in hopes that someone will take over as worthy successors.
What an opportunity for any budding entrepreneurs.
The Alty record shop in its current brick-and-mortar form has stood for some time now, but popular owner Ben Molesworth has been selling physical media from 2012 onwards, and now his time at the helm of the hailed south Manchester spot has come to a somewhat bittersweet end.
A bit of a local legend with regulars who frequent and flick through his coveted vinyl collection, not just on Record Store Day but throughout the year, the area will be sad to see him go – and so will we – but it doesn’t mean this has to be the end.
“The shop deserves more than I can give it, and I have sold records in Altrincham for 14 years”, he explains, before going on to add that “It’s time for me to concentrate on different things.
“What happens now?” he continues, “Keep following! I’m not sure yet. I have closed the doors, but everything is still there… A busy website, Discogs, socials, a strong set of accounts and £ks of great vinyl stock.”
You’d think with a sales pitch like that, it would be a no-brainer for audiophiles who’ve ever dreamt of spending their days cataloguing their favourite tunes and artists, whilst providing a still criminally unsung public service: delivering printed music to the masses.
With more than a decade and a half of experience to his name, we’re sure Ben has plenty of wisdom to impart about how to take good care of his baby moving forward – he just needs some to set up to the plate/turntable.
As saturated as the Manc music market and record store scene is, it was also comfortably on this list pretty much since day one.
All that being said, part of the challenge for any independent business is getting the word out, hence why we thought we’d help do our bit by shouting about it.
He signed off by adding: “Thank you to all of my wonderful customers, friends and supporters. Tasty Recordsisn’t dead, only sleeping. Lots of love, Ben.”
For anyone who might fancy taking over this “awesome little record shop” (his words AND ours), you can express your interest/table an offer over email via [email protected].
What an honour it would be to carry on this place’s legacy – here’s hoping someone takes up the mantle soon.
The legendary Hulme community pub The Old Abbey Taphouse has been reborn
Daisy Jackson
The closure of The Old Abbey Taphouse was a real blow for Hulme and the surrounding university district area; the community pub was a bit of a local institution thanks to its grassroots music and inclusive atmosphere.
But now it appears that the spirit of the venue lives on, under the new name of The Abbey.
Some of the city’s most experienced independent operators – who have been behind venues like YES and The Deaf Institute, and music promoters Now Wave – will be the new custodians of this beloved local landmark.
The pub, which closed early last year, has now been carefully and lovingly restored ahead of its big relaunch, which will start in true Manc vision with an exclusive opening night gig.
The Abbey is reborn. (Credit: The Manc Group)
The vision for its new chapter will be ‘Old Pub, New Music’, creating a new home for grassroots live music and emerging artists.
There’s also affordable, hearty pub grub, including Pieminister pies, and a huge range of beers from local breweries and beyond.
Bringing The Abbey back to life are a core team of four: Ruth Hemmingfield, Wesley Jones, Jonathan Wickstead and Gareth Butterworth.
Ruth, Jon and Wesley are co-owners of YES; Ruth previously launched and programmed landmark Manc venues including The Deaf Institute, Gorilla and Albert Hall; while Wesley and Jonathan, through Now Wave, promote hundreds of independent gigs and live events each year.
As for Gareth, he’s the founder of the multi-venue festival Manchester Psych Fest, meaning that all of them have plenty of hospitality, late-night, live music and events experience between them.
The team behind The Abbey pub. Credit: Piran Aston
The rear of the site of The Old Abbey Taphouse will be extended to create a new dedicated live music and events venue, while the cherished beer garden is given a facelift with new decking and its own bar.
The Abbey has stood in Hulme since the 1890s, playing an important role in the area’s heritage – this is where activist Len Johnson managed to overturn the shameful ‘colour bar’ policies of the 1940s.
Its restoration and relaunch are part of the flourishing Manchester Science Park development.
Matthew Pazos, Senior Retail Commercial Manager at Bruntwood SciTech, said: “Ruth, Wesley and Jonathan are the perfect custodians to breathe new life into The Abbey.
“Their reputation for running independent spaces in Manchester, alongside their live music expertise, will ensure this much-valued pub once again becomes a beating heart for Hulme and the wider neighbourhood.
“The reopening of The Abbey will create an inclusive new hub that welcomes everyone – from the Hulme locals who have looked after the pub over the years, to the Manchester Science Park community, university students, and the many residents and workers across the Oxford Road Corridor.
“We are delighted that such a culturally significant and important pub is set to open its doors once again.”
Ruth from the new Abbey team commented: “We love a good pub. With The Abbey, we’re excited about bringing a brilliant old pub back to life, protecting what people loved about it, and creating something special: a great local, alongside a vital grassroots music venue for the area.
“We’re honouring the pub’s history while building its future.”
Emily Sergeant -
6th October 2020 
