Niall Horan criticises government for failing to support music artists during pandemic 

Niall Horan believes governments in the UK and beyond are failing to support musical artists and live event workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

The former One Direction singer will perform at Royal Albert Hall in London on Saturday at a live-streamed concert, which will raise funds for his touring crew. 

Due to the pandemic, the 27-year-old was forced to cancel his 2020 tour – leaving his crew out of pocket. 

While he’s taken the situation into his own hands – with over 90,000 tickets sold for the online event – Niall is angry there is not more support for live music workers.

‘The hardest part of sending the email was kind of figuring out at that time that the governments were not going to help,’ he told news.com.au of cancelling his tour. 

‘It’s madness. They don’t mind taking those people’s tax money next year when we get back to normal but these self-employed people couldn’t get support. 

‘Live music is a multi-billion dollar industry and the engine room of that has been completely left behind which has been the most frustrating part,’ he added.  

In an Instagram post last month, Niall wrote encouraged his fans to buy tickets if they could. 

He wrote: ‘I want to shine a light on the incredible crew members of our touring world that make those events possible and whose livelihoods have been severely affected by Covid-19 and the lack of financial support to self-employed Arts World members.⁣

‘I’m putting on this gig to try and raise awareness of the immense value they bring to an industry enjoyed by so many, and do something to help them and their families. 

‘I ask all you guys to support them with me and buy a ticket if you can, and I encourage all artists to do the same.⁣’  

Niall rose to fame in boy band One Direction, alongside Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Zayn Malik,and Louis Tomlinson. 

The group, who are on indefinite hiatus, celebrated their tenth anniversary this year.