AUTUMN | FEATURE only one of them , whereas now they need two or three ,” says Allen . “ Things have got a lot more complex , which is probably a sign of the world currently . Last year was so busy , it was the first full year back from Covid for a lot of freelancers and they took all the work that they could get . Many got to the end of the year or beginning of this year and hit a wall .”
While traditionally the charity would deal with experienced event professionals , Allen says more young people are now asking for help due to the knock-on effects of the pandemic : “ We provide counselling grants as well , because the waiting list for counselling through the NHS can be up to a year just to get an initial diagnosis .”
Allen , like Maltman , Brinley and Levers , has noticed cases of neurodiversity on the rise , which will be covered in an upcoming seminar at this year ’ s PLASA Show . Allen says she has seen more people getting a diagnosis of autism or ADHD later in life : “ Our industry can attract a lot of neurodiverse people which is great , but sometimes the worry is that as an industry , are we unknowingly taking advantage of somebody who might well just keep going until they fix the problem ? Which might be at the cost of their health .”
Jess Allan
The Back Lounge Tour manager Suzi Green ’ s online music industry support group , The Back Lounge , has seen huge success since launching during the pandemic . Having felt “ devastated and uncertain ” after having to put her mortgage on hold while out of work , Green found solace in her North American contemporaries , and was inspired by US charity Backline Care , which held support group sessions each week .
Still operating on Zoom , The Back Lounge continues to attract event professionals from Europe and across the Atlantic , with different guests each week , including psychotherapists who have a connection to the music industry .
While the group mainly attracted seasoned professionals during the pandemic , Green , who has managed tours for Wolf Alice , Placebo , PJ Harvey and The Chemical Brothers , says there is a growing number of people new to the industry who are joining .
Green says that since the pandemic ,
“ People ’ s stress rates are much higher and the job is even more uncertain .”
uncertainty around crew shortages is often a cause of anxiety for event professionals , along with the issue of crew working extended shifts : “ People ’ s stress rates are much higher and the job is even more uncertain . Tours are still getting cancelled all the time due to the economic crisis and touring has become much less viable .
“[ Working very long hours ] doesn ’ t really exist in any other industry but it ’ s been got away with in touring for so long because everything is a bit ‘ rock n ’ roll ’ and macho . That culture needs to change .”
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