https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/win-mark-knopfler-guitarMark has donated one of his iconic red Fender Stratocaster guitars to a fundraising draw in aid of StagehandFund, supporting stage and production crew through the Covid-19 crisis. This guitar was played on all of the US dates of Mark’s 2019 ‘Down The Road Wherever’ Tour and at the Verona concert of the European leg.
Mark Knopfler is raising money for stage crew charity Stagehand’s #ILoveLive campaign, which is providing financial help for all UK stage crew who are in the greatest need. Stage crew seem to be the forgotten ones in the current pandemic. They’re the unsung heroes of the live entertainment world. Without them shows just couldn’t happen.
The impact of Covid-19 has been devastating for the whole music industry but particularly for the stage techs, sound engineers, guitar techs, keyboard techs, drum techs, stage managers, production managers, tour managers and other live support personnel who make shows possible.
With no shows since March, crew’s income has been slashed with many finding that they are ineligible for any kind of government financial aid. Many are in desperate need and most are sitting with mental health issues.
