Sheffield’s Dorothy Pax “heartbroken” to announce closure: “Support your grassroots music venues”

nme.com:

“The grassroots music industry is facing an uphill battle, as a whole we’re all trying to make this work on a profit margin of 0.48 per cent, whilst those at the top are reporting billions in profits,” they wrote. “If £1 per ticket at stadium shows, arena gigs and large festivals went back to us collectively, we wouldn’t have to subsidise ourselves in excess of £160,000,000 to carry on doing the work we do.”They added that they did end up subsidising themselves because “we love it, understand its importance to our wellbeing, community and cultural output.” They continued, sharing that they know they do good work and explained how nothing beats the “high you get when you see a full room of people dancing, enjoying each others company, whilst the musicians on stage are performing their hearts out with smiles across their faces.

Nothing will ever come close to that feeling.”They went on to highlight the Music Venue Trust and how without the work that the organisation does, they most likely would have had to close down years ago. “They’ve not only had our side but they’ve tirelessly worked so hard in supporting 900+ of our colleagues within the grassroots music industry.”A GoFundme was created in efforts to raise money for the Dorothy Pax staff and freelancers as a way to “have a party and put some money into their bank accounts so they can cover their expenses until they find another job.” You can visit here to donate to the fund.They concluded their statement with: “Continue to support your grassroots music venues, your local pub and independent businesses because now is the time that they need you the most.