Yes our government refusing to agree to the EU offer of visa-free tours is simply a disaster for musicians. Locally I have friends that will no longer be able to tour and record, as they work mainly in Europe. You get paid far better and often looked after far better as a band in Europe because they can fund things more fully.
But as Gene will tell you this will also prevent N American acts from touring in the UK. European dates often subsidise the British leg of a several months long tour. The extra paper trail is not going to make it worthwhile for them. We will be far more cut adrift from the world and our musicians will have far fewer opportunities in what is a really hard area to survive in anyway.
Exclusive: ‘Standard’ proposal to exempt performers for 90 days was proposed, but ‘the UK said no’
www.independent.co.uk