The coronavirus outbreak and the lockdown over Luzon has terribly affected the live music community—not just for the artists, but also members of their crew.

While bands and solo acts can turn to music streaming and downloads, merch sales, and online shows, their roadies and crew members may not be as lucky to sustain themselves during this pandemic. For roadies, no shows mean no pay, and with gigs and concerts canceled over the next couple of months, things are looking pretty grim for the guys who make sure your live show experience is always the best.

But it doesn't have to be that way. You can help.

Indie Manila and Red Ninja Production got together with Roadie Superstar to set up a special GoGetFunding page to raise funds for roadies in need during this crisis. Since Thursday (03/19), they've been mounting talks on topics surrounding the music scene via Instagram Live. These weekly broadcasts will be held every Thursday at 9 p.m.

All of the events, big and small, are either postponed or cancelled. The Live Event economy is really affected by the pandemic. One of the affected groups are our Roadies — these men and women who help out musicians deliver the best sets every show.

— Indie Manila (@indiemanilalive) March 19, 2020

UDD's road manager and guitar tech support Reese Tulis says that the outbreak caused their work to "instantly snap out." He tells Bandwagon, "All gigs, concerts, and events were canceled like they were washed out of the agenda." 

GIGS ARE CANCELLED, HERE'S HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT YOUR FAVORITE MUSICIANS

"Sobra kaming naapektuhan ng pandemic na ito," Nhed Bon Vida, who assists the likes of Bullet Dumas, Rivermaya, Flu, and Carousel Casualties, reveals. "Sa katunayan lahat ng gig namin ngayon at susunod na buwan ay canceled na lahat. Mahirap para sa amin ito, dahil ito ang pinagkukunan namin ng kabuhayan para sa pamilya namin." Bon Vida adds that he's been talking with other roadies about the ongoing crisis, hoping that everything would go back to normal so they could all start over. 

Send your donations here.

(UPDATE 03/26): Filipino singer-songwriter Johnoy Danao announced that he will be playing an unreleased song live tonight, March 26, in support of the fundraising and social welfare. His set begins at 6 p.m. via his official Facebook page.

(UPDATE 05/08): Another online fundraiser for the benefit of Roadies Club PH will be held this May 16 (Saturday), featuring performances by BenteDos, We Got, Maple Syrup, Soundcheckers, Autotelic, Zel Bautista of December Avenue, and Gab Alipe. The show starts at 9 p.m. via the official Roadies Club PH Facebook page.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends everyone to regularly wash their hands, cover their mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, and thoroughly cooking meat and eggs.

If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny nose, and shortness of breath, contact the DOH COVID-19 Hotline at (02)8-651-7800 local: 1149-1150.