skip to main content

Advice for Musicians Facing Threat of Cancellations Due to Omicron

If you are already facing the threat of cancellations due to the Omicron variant, then please contact your regional office in the first instance. Each cancellation will have to be looked at on its own facts, with consideration of the contractual terms of your booking.

Photo ofDawn Rodger
By Dawn Rodger Published: 09 December 2021 | 11:39 AM
Musicians playing in a band setting, we can see a woman singing into a microphone and a man playing on the guitar
With live music barely having begun to return, the thought of gigs potentially being cancelled again is devastating. Photo credit: Shutterstock

The emergence of the new Omicron strain of the virus is raising inevitable questions as to whether we are soon to face further restrictions and what impact these might have on our member’s work. With live music barely having begun to return, the thought of gigs potentially being cancelled again is devastating.

As it stands, the rules relating to live performances have not changed, and so on the face of it bookings should stand. If and when the rules do change, please be assured we will work to keep our advice up to date for you.

If you are already facing the threat of cancellations due to the Omicron variant, then please contact your regional office in the first instance.

Each cancellation will have to be looked at on its own facts, with consideration of the contractual terms of your booking. Many recent gig contracts already contain set out agreed terms if a booking is cancelled for reasons related to Covid. General legal principles such as frustration may also be applicable if indeed the government rules do change.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes accident cover, health schemes, travel insurance and car insurance add-ons through the Musicians’ Union.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Outstretched human hand holding the graphic of a blue brain in it's palm. AI concept.

Creatives Sign Statement Calling for Consent and Fair Payment Where Works are Used to Train Generative AI

Over 10,500 creatives have signed a statement to artificial intelligence (AI) companies, calling for explicit creator consent and fair remuneration when training generative AI systems. Umbrella body UK Music, of which the MU is a founding member, has also signed.

Published: 23 October 2024

Read more about Creatives Sign Statement Calling for Consent and Fair Payment Where Works are Used to Train Generative AI
Black and grey image of two people, one holding a guitar case, walking up a hill together with a stormy sky above.

Silencing the Inner Critic: How Self-Talk and Feldenkrais Can Help Tame Performance Anxiety

Anxiety is November's theme for the new term of MU Feldenkrais sessions, which are free and run exclusively for members. In this blog, professional musician and Feldenkrais teacher, Emma Alter, reflects on how she manages negative self-talk and why her practice helps foster self-compassion.

Published: 22 October 2024

Read more about Silencing the Inner Critic: How Self-Talk and Feldenkrais Can Help Tame Performance Anxiety