By Chris Thorley
A recent BBC report revealed that bands are skipping towns and cities in Britain and playing in half as many locations than in the 90s, as putting on large UK tours has become financially unviable.
Many bands are only playing at the major cities, such as London, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow. This means that many people are missing out on their favourite bands or have to travel further to see them. The result is that towns are becoming cultural deserts.
Ultimately for capitalism, cultural decay is unimportant compared to increasing profits. Capitalist governments have little interest in trying to make gigs affordable when there is plenty of money to be made from soaring travel costs, hotels and ‘dynamic’ ticket pricing, as was well-publicised around the upcoming Oasis tour.
However, the arts and culture are vital for people’s mental health, ability to express themselves and simple enjoyment. Unfortunately, this is now increasingly something fewer people are able to experience.
The fight against ‘cultural desertification’ of towns is intertwined with the fight against the cost of living crisis and the capitalist system as a whole. Only through liberation from the misery of capitalism will we be given the time and energy to see music and other forms of art genuinely flourish.
