The design celebrates the long tradition of musicians using their voices and creativity to stand against injustice. Photo: ©LMHR.
Launched at Tolpuddle Festival in Dorset this weekend, the collaboration reflects the organisations' shared commitment to championing diversity, challenging racism and promoting the positive role music plays in bringing communities together.
Inspired by the iconic Two-tone and Ska movement of the 1970s and 1980s, the design celebrates the long tradition of musicians using their voices and creativity to stand against injustice. The artwork was created by UK-based illustrator and painter Ashton Attzs, whose colourful, vibrant work celebrates everyday people and the richness of ordinary life.
The limited-edition T-shirt is available through the Love Music Hate Racism online store, with all profits shared between LMHR's anti-racist campaigning work and the MU Benevolent Fund.
A shared commitment
Sinéad McCarney, MU Campaigns and Organising Official, said:
"We are delighted to collaborate with Love Music Hate Racism on this project. The working relationship we have with them illustrates the importance of tackling these issues collectively and wholeheartedly.
"We wanted this design to be a celebration of what music brings to all our communities, and the long-standing use of music as an essential voice in challenging times."
The partnership builds on the longstanding shared values of both organisations, recognising music's unique ability to unite people across backgrounds and cultures while providing a vital platform to challenge discrimination and inequality.
The power of music
Alex LoSardo, Love Music Hate Racism Organiser, said:
"Love Music Hate Racism uses the energy of music scenes to celebrate diversity and involve people in anti-racist activity, in the tradition of the Rock Against Racism movement of the late 1970s.
"Since our founding in 2002, there have been many hundreds of LMHR events, from large outdoor festivals to local gigs and club nights.
"It is our joy and honour to stand alongside the Musicians' Union against the far right. Like the MU, we believe in music as a force for good and never underestimate its importance in fighting racism.
"Solidarity with the MU and all those doing what they can to challenge the rise of racism in Britain and elsewhere. We have more in common than what separates us, and nothing demonstrates that more than the music we enjoy together."
The special edition MU x LMHR T-shirt is available now through the Love Music Hate Racism online store for a limited time.
Image description: A teenage boy wearing sunglasses and a white T-shirt featuring the Musicians' Union and Love Music Hate Racism collaboration design. The centred black-and-white illustration shows a diverse group of singers and musicians playing instruments including a trumpet, saxophone, trombone and keyboard, standing in front of amplifiers, flight cases and both organisations' logos. In the background of the photo are houses, parked cars, a bright blue sky and a telegraph pole.