The government has already helped a number of sectors; it is now the turn of the musicians. “We will sponsor the organisation of minimum 150 garage gigs” to the tune of more than five billion forints “where actors of the domestic pop and rock scene will be able to play their songs with professional technology and the assistance of their own touring staff,” the Government Spokesperson stated in a video message posted on her Facebook account on Wednesday.

Alexandra Szentkirályi said the recordings of these concerts will be aired sometime in September as expected. The gigs will be organised from grants provided by the government in order to help Hungarian pop and rock musicians who have found themselves in a difficult situation due to the coronavirus epidemic and the cancellation of festivals.

The Government Spokesperson said musicians featuring in the shows will include major names such as Gabi Tóth and Vera Tóth, Rózsi Demjén, Tankcsapda and Fecó Balázs.

“Regarding other bands that usually perform at festivals, we will consult with the organisers of the biggest festivals,” she added.

Musicians and technicians will receive extra high fees; the broadcasting company Antenna Hungária will provide for the availability of professional cutting-edge lighting and sound technologies as well as for the recording and airing of the productions with the assistance of the Hungarian Tourism Agency, the Government Spokesperson said, adding that “preparations are already well under way”.

She recalled that this year due to the coronavirus, high-attendance concerts and festivals have been cancelled because the government would not like to risk another surge in the epidemic and the conventional start of the school year in the autumn. At the same time, they are aware that this has put pop and rock musicians as well as their support staff into a very difficult position, and this is why they will support the organisation of small-scale live performances.

(MTI/Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister)