Gareth Dunlop urged people to support their local music venues.
The “Go Down Swinging” singer acknowledges that high ticket prices put many people off seeing him live, but insists that a small independent venue can provide just as much fun for an evening as a big stadium show.
“We are facing a cost-of-living crisis and seeing live music at a local venue shouldn't cost more than your weekly grocery shop,” he said.
“It takes a village to run a huge show or stadium tour, and ticket prices usually reflect that. But there are so many fantastic grassroots venues across the UK and Ireland that offer the chance for a great night out at an affordable price, where you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and watch some great live music for just a few beers.”
“The most interesting sight to me is a local venue full of curious music lovers who aren't necessarily spending money to be there.”
Gareth himself has fond memories of going to these shows as a child, making friends with other music fans and being inspired by the artists he saw there, and he hopes to do the same for audiences.
He added: “Growing up in Belfast I had the opportunity to see and discover a lot of live music in grassroots venues. I saw Steve Earle in a packed upstairs bar and I was a few feet from John Martyn playing in an 80-capacity club.”
“I have made lifelong connections with people who share the same passion and have been inspired by what I hear from the stage.
If someone can get any of those things out of a night out at my show, then I'll be blessed. Mission accomplished.
Gareth will be heading out on tour next month, see https://www.garethdunlop.com/liveshows for dates.