Today, much of the music industry is ceasing operations and holding a day of silence in solidarity with global protests following the death of George Floyd.
It’s hard to know what to say because I’ve been dealing with racism my entire life.
Quincy Jones
Protests against police brutality and endemic racism have been held in the US and around the world after footage showed Mr Floyd being pinned on his neck by a Minnesota police officer. He later died and the officer has been charged with murder.
Now the music business has rallied behind a social media campaign, widely shared under the hashtag #TheShowMustBePaused (above).
Capital Music Group (Virgin, Motown and Blue Note) announced that it would “not be conducting any business” on Tuesday and has made a donation to Color Of Change, a non-profit organisation that aims to coordinate campaigns “powerful enough to end practices that unfairly hold Black people back, and champion solutions that move us all forward."
Warner Music Group (Parlophone and Elektra Records) is donating to Black Lives Matter, while Spotify and the BPI are among many other industry bodies backing the campaign.
Artists have also pledged support, with Billie Eilish, Quincy Jones, Tim Burgess, The Rolling Stones and many more signed up to the day of reflection.
You can read the full #TheShowMustBePaused statement at theshowmustbepaused.com/.
Today, in protest at the endemic racism that continues to afflict our nations MusicRadar stands in solidarity with the black community, and the #blacklivesmatter and #thehsowmustbepaused campaigns.
It’s hard to know what to say because I’ve been dealing with racism my entire life. That said, it’s rearing its ugly head right now & by God it’s time to deal with it once & for all. My team & I stand for justice. Convos will be had & action will be taken. #THESHOWMUSTBEPAUSED pic.twitter.com/0pehqgGN6oMay 31, 2020
