The entertainment industry has been patiently waiting for its time to restart since it shut down in March of 202o due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but they are now saying enough is enough and pushing to bring about live entertainment once again. The industry has spend the last week lighting up its businesses red in support for the Red Alert Restart Movement. Starting in Cleveland, OH, the Red Alert Restart Movement has taken flight all over the country lighting stadiums, concert halls, theatres, arenas and more with a red light to show support for the entertainment industry.

It has been pure devastation to so many effected by the closing and shutdown due to Covid-19. This is why Cleveland, OH decided to light their city buildings up red to raise awareness about the devastation this virus has brought to the live event and entertainment industry. These lights were part of the #RedAlertRestart Movement from We Make Events, a coalition that includes many businesses and workers in the entertainment industry. When people think of this industry, they think of the ‘rich and famous’ celebrities, artists, and athletes who minimally affected. Who they do not think of are the venue employees, local artists, ticket companies, and the list goes on. These people are who have had their livelihoods halted due to this shutdown. According to We Make Events, 95% of live events have been canceled due to COVID-19, with many people losing wages or their jobs and more than three-quarters of people in the industry losing all their income. “This shutdown has been hard on everybody,” said Greg Harris, president and CEO of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. “In this industry, if there’s no live shows, there’s no tickets, there’s no stagehands, there’s no talent, there’s no ushers,” Harris said. “The whole infrastructure is dependent on people going to shows, so they’re really in a precarious spot.”

The #RedAlertRestart Movement quickly spread from Cleveland to the rest of the country. This was done in the hopes of spreading awareness to country about how devastated this industry is. The infrastructure of is depending on people attending shows and events. The idea is to get people into the doors of limited capacity events as well as attending them virtually. This is to be done as safe and cautiously as possible. The healthy and safety of the entertainers, staff, and fans is still a top priority, but we are hoping to bring awareness to the cause and shine light on ways to still support. For some, the entertainment industry is a monthly leisure, but for the people who work in it, it is their whole life. Please consider supporting VIPTIX and your local venues and performers as things begin again.