David Guetta on stage at the MDLBeast Soundstorm Festival in Saudi Arabia
Photo: Getty Images for MDLBEAST SOUNDS, Tim P Whitby. All rights reserved.
It’s not just bands and solo artists who are commenting on Russia’s heinous acts these days, thereby showing solidarity with the people of Ukraine. The big players in the industry are also reacting and are drawing their conclusions from the recent events that are changing so many things in Europe – business relationships with Russia are being severed and calls for donations started.
Live Nation puts concerts in Russia on hold
“Live Nation joins the world in strongly condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine,” the company said in a statement released to Britain’s IQ magazine. “We are in the process of reviewing our vendors so we can stop working with all companies in Russia. We stand with the people of Ukraine, we condemn the actions of Russia, and we hope our example will inspire others in our industry to do what they can.” Entertainment company Oak View Group has also responded, and all of them Business relationship with Russia ended.
Universal Music wants to support Ukrainian artists and partners
Universal Music has also published a post on the current situation and thus taken a clear position. “We are shocked and appalled by the war in Ukraine – the suffering of the people fleeing is a humanitarian catastrophe. We are in contact with our Ukrainian artists and partners to offer them our help.” As one of the first measures, Universal Music supports a Aid project by Betterplace.org, for which more than 860,000 euros have already been raised (as of March 2nd, 2022). Universal Music Group also has a branch in Russia.