MANILA, Philippines — Rock star Kean Cipriano admitted that the COVID-19 pandemic badly hit the live music industry.
In his episode for Philstar.com’s Lifestyle & Entertainment show “Slam Book,” Kean said performers needed mass gatherings for them to perform and make a living.
“Badly hit talaga 'yung industry natin, lalo na 'yung concert scene. Kasi wala namang mga gigs e. Huli ka makakabalik. Walang gatherings e. Mass gatherings, concert, and that's what we need. That's what we do for living. So ang bigat ng pandemya talaga sa mga musikero,” he shared.
The Callalily frontman also said that apart from musicians, people who work behind-the-scenes in live concerts, such as ticket or popcorn sellers, are also badly affected.
“’Di lang sa mga musikero, pati din do'n sa mga events mismo, 'yung sa sound system, 'yung mga booth, 'yung mga organizers, 'yung mga producers. Hit talaga 'yung industry kaya nakakalungkot na parang kami 'yung unang-una na nawalan ng work tapos kami 'yung huling makakabalik sa work,” he said.
“Honestly, it saddens me 'pag naiisip ko. At the end of the day, you chose to be an artist so be it,” he added.
He, however, said that he became more creative during the pandemic.
“Ang laking pera na ang nawala, I mean, 'yung kabuhayan ng lahat. 'Di kayo makapag-create together kasi may pandemya. It's hard to be honest, but on the positive side naman, naging creative ako,” he said.
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