On 19th and 20th January 2024, several bands took part in the Dance Craze event at the HMV Empire in Coventry. Eight months later, at least 8 of the bands and DJ still haven’t been paid.

The bands have spent all year attempting to communicate with the promoter to arrange payment of what we’re owed, but have sadly been unsuccessful. There has been total radio silence from the promoter since May. Meanwhile, they have set up a new business, are working frequently and have seemingly forgotten about us...

The promoter has made a number of unkept promises of payment, consistently missing deadlines set by both us and themselves. They are now radio silent; ignoring messages, emails and correspondence from us, the Musicians' Union and the Civil National Business Centre.

We have been massively let down by the promoter and now, without any other option, we are asking for your help. If we are to receive what we’re owed for Dance Craze, we are going to have to raise the money ourselves.

If you came to Dance Craze (this year or in previous years) or have seen any of us perform before, if you’re a fan of Ska/Reggae music, if you’re a friend or family member, we would really appreciate it if you’d consider donating to help us raise the funds we’re owed. A lot of us are professional musicians and are massively out of pocket from not receiving payment for this event. The whole situation has been incredibly frustrating, upsetting and time consuming and this is our last resort. We play music because we love it; we never expected to have to do this but sadly, we have no choice.

** We would like to clarify that the HMV Empire are not at fault here. They have paid the organiser the settlement fee. It is the organiser that has not paid the bands and DJ **

Thanks so much for your support!

Ruder Than U

Infinite Madness

The Pistols

Signing Off

The Lloyd McGrath Collective

Roddy Radiation & the Skabilly Rebels

The Brew

Rookie Numbers

Terry Hendrick - Soul Pressure Sound System