Musicians Against Homelessness has launced its 2017 campaign to raise money for the homeless charity Crisis in England, Scotland and Wales and Simon Community in Northern Ireland.
Rock and pop stars including Shaun Ryder and Cast are backing the cause which looks set to have an even bigger impact this year after the success of 2016 which saw over 500 bands play benefit gigs across the country.
Former Oasis guru Alan McGee launched the campaign in 2016 and he expects even more bands and household names to get behind this year’s drive which coincides with the 50th anniversary of Crisis. He said: “Last year the response was incredible but more people know about us now. We are getting people talking and taking action on homelessness in the best way we know how, through music and community. This problem will not go away. Statistics show a significant rise in the people sleeping rough on British streets – 4134 in January in England alone – which is an absolute disgrace.”
Happy Mondays and Black Grape star Shaun Ryder said: “To see so many people in this day and age homeless and hungry is unbelievable. This is not Victorian Britain! As usual it’s the people who are not in a position to speak for themselves or be heard who get left behind and ignored. It’s become so common to see homeless people on the streets that maybe it’s not a shock when you walk past. Or maybe it’s so shocking that you have to look away, and try not to think about it?”
Ryder, who is back on tour with the Mondays this Winter, went on: “The sad thing is, it’s not the public’s problem, but they’re the ones most likely to actually help the homeless than anyone in government. I’ve been through some difficult times in my life, but fortunately I’ve always had a roof over my head. If I found myself in a desperate and vulnerable position where I’d have to trust the decisions being made in Parliament, I’d be seriously worried.”
John Power, lead singer with Cast, said: “It’s great to be asked to be involved with the Musicians Against Homelessness campaign again. With so many ongoing problems in the world today it’s sometimes easy to forget the ones in which you come face to face with everyday in the towns and cities up and down the UK. Homelessness is a massive problem and one we can’t just step over and ignore. Let’s help bring awareness to the ever increasing problem of homelessness on our streets today.”
This year, the campaign is expanding by teaming up with Simon Community Northern Ireland. Chief executive Jim Dennison said: “We are thrilled to be working with Musicians Against Homelessness to raise awareness of homelessness in Northern Ireland. We have a huge – and worsening – problem of homelessness here. This partnership, with the support of brilliant home-grown musical talent, will not only shine
This year’s MAH gigs will run throughout September. To apply to play, host or organise a MAH gig visit Musicians Against Homelessness on Facebook
