skip to main content

Racism is a Public Health Crisis

Black Lives Matter UK are calling on the on the public to show support for Black members of the community who are being disproportionately affected by Covid-19 with a musical response on Thursday 4 June.

Published: 03 June 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 12 July 2021 | 5:08 PM
Photograph of a piano player sat at the keyboard
BAME British people are up to four times more likely to die from Covid-19 than White British people. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Research released on Tuesday 2 June from Public Health England confirmed that BAME British people are far more likely to die from Covid-19 than White British people.  And recent events in the USA have shone a light on the inequalities that Black people are facing in the UK too.

The global pandemic has highlighted the life or death consequences of prejudice and discrimination that have existed for long before.

Black Lives Matter UK is calling on members of the public to make some noise in support of Race and Health on Thursday 4 June, at 7:00 pm by playing Jimmy Cliff’s The Harder They Come, from doorsteps, balconies and gardens.

Further actions

Having participated in the music industry wide call for #TheShowMustBePaused yesterday, we will be highlighting further actions that members can take across our Twitter, Facebook and Instagram social media channels.

We also remind members who are going to be involved in marches and peaceful protests this week to stay safe and follow social distancing guidelines.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

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

Portrait of Jeff, smiling in a blue shirt.

Tribute to Jeffrey Raymond Wakefield

An accomplished professional violinist, Jeff Wakefield enjoyed a distinguished orchestral career and took great pride in his lifelong association with the Musicians' Union, of which he became a member in 1952. This tribute was written by his son-in-law, David Marcou.

Published: 14 August 2026

Read more about Tribute to Jeffrey Raymond Wakefield
Young Black musician, wearing headphones, In the foreground is a recording mic and pop shield.

Meet the MU at PITCH Scotland 2026

Meet the MU’s Sam Jordan and Louise Stanners Pow at this year’s hip hop conference and festival, and learn more about copyright, sampling, ownership and collaboration.

Published: 13 August 2026

Read more about Meet the MU at PITCH Scotland 2026
Martin, sat at the table of a formal dinner, dressed in a suit, smiling.

Tribute to Martin Bowen

Martin Bowen enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a professional bassoonist and was deeply committed to the Musicians' Union. After joining in 1973, he served with dedication as an MU Steward for BBC NOW. This tribute has been written by his brother-in-law, John.

Published: 06 August 2026

Read more about Tribute to Martin Bowen