I suppose the most obvious answer is that it is a vital source of income for so many of us - but when I started writing this I was thinking a little more holistically.
Live music is so important because it is one of the shortest routes to feeling good.
Pandemic or no - live gigs create moments of magic. We all know how evocative music can be - the hook in a melody, luscious BVs, a killer groove can transport you to another time, another place - but when it's live that imprint is a little deeper - certainly for me, both as a performer or as an audience member. The energy is palpable and elevated - I know you know what I mean.
I have been banging on about it for years - but now more than ever connection and communication are vital for our well being. I don’t mean to sound dramatic, but I do mean vital. And that feel good sensation is anything but superficial. Sound is an incredible energetic tool. The resonance and harmonic overtones created through sound enable our cells to vibrate at a certain frequencies and "spiritually” speaking (if I may) the feel good factor enhances our vibrational energy. We are all nourished by that euphoric sensation we feel coursing through our veins when we experience live music together.
And it is one of my favourite things after a tune to catch the eye of one of my band or a member of the audience and know we shared something in that moment. When it comes down to it life is about joy and contentment and live music unlimited supplies and that is priceless which is why it's so important, in my opinion…but what do you think?
PS. This clip was taken from one of my gigs at The Pheasantry in London, featuring my friend and long time band member John Crawford doing his thing…