Countless events had to be cancelled or postponed throughout the country.

The endless row of cancellations, such as the show of music legend Sting, who was set to visit the Grand Duchy on his European tour, is beginning to take its toll on the national music industry, which is normally used to filling venues with hundreds or thousands of people.

The ecstatic screaming of fans will not be heard for a considerable amount of time. And even if the cultural side of the lockdown has a preliminary end in sight at the end of July, it would be unrealistic to expect filled venues on 1 August. Michel Welter, managing partner and director of "den Atelier", explains:
"We as concert organisers were the first to be shut down and will probably be the last to reopen again. That of course due to the nature of our events, which assemble large crowds of people with elevated risks of infection spreading."

Just like the shutdown had been gradual, the organisers expect a steady return to normal over the course of the coming months. Forty-three shows scheduled until 31 July by Atelier have now been either postponed or cancelled. Unfortunately, that is the exact period where the largest events usually take place.

"Those months usually provide around 60% of our annual income. This exact period has now been called off completely."

Tickets to cancelled shows will be reimbursed, but not those to postponed events, except if further unexpected circumstances occur. An alternative approach is not conceivable, if the organiser is to survive, states Olivier Toth, manager of Rockhal:

"Some of our neighbour countries are in a different situation, because legislation obliges them to reimburse the sector to a certain extent. It is very important in our business to be in a financially stable position where we do not have to worry about liquidity."

The situation is moreover challenging to musicians:

"I have recently talked to a manager, who is representing a row of young artists and had trouble explaining the numerous cancellations for the months of April and May. Streaming services do not provide sufficient income, which is why most musicians get by through touring and the sale of merchandise."

There is little fear however that music enthusiasts will shy away from shows once the confinement is over, according to Michel Welter:

"People will show up at our doors in even greater numbers. Events are about the communal experience with like-minded people. To share a moment of passion for a specific artist is something irreplaceable, and people will want to feel that again."

Until now, the business did not have to take major losses, says the manager of Atelier. The future remains uncertain nonetheless.