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THE HITS LIST TURKEY TROT
...with all the trimmings (11/22a)
AN AWARD-WINNING CMA GALLERY
Cowboy hats and funny caps (11/21a)
NEAR TRUTHS: WITCHING HOUR
It's not easy being green. (11/21a)
NEAR TRUTHS: REALIGNMENT AND RECOGNITION
Underscoring the year's biggest stories (11/19a)
NEAR TRUTHS: THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM
Nervous time in the music biz and beyond. (11/16a)
NOW WHAT?
We have no fucking idea.
COUNTRY'S NEWEST DISRUPTOR
Three chords and some truth you may not be ready for.
AI IS ALREADY EATING YOUR LUNCH
The kids can tell the difference... for now.
WHO'S BUYING THE DRINKS?
That's what we'd like to know.
Blighty Beat
COVID CERTIFICATES BACKED
4/26/21

British trade body UK Music and Festival Republic owner Melvin Benn have signed a letter to U.K. Government backing the use of COVID certificates to help bring back the live industry. Signatories also include many in the theater world.

The letter backs the use of COVID status certification that would confirm those attending events have either been vaccinated, have a negative COVID test or an antibody test. “We are clear that this approach must not rely only on proof of vaccination, and also that it must only be a temporary measure, only used for as long as necessary,” it continues.

The letter adds that the approach “must not be discriminatory, should protect privacy, and have clear exit criteria,” concluding: “If all this holds true, then we are very much supportive of the continued exploration of this possibility to bring life back to normal as soon as possible.”

Other signees include Andrew Lloyd Webber and Sir Simon Rattle, conductor and Music Director at the London Symphony Orchestra.

The use of COVID passports or certificates has stirred some controversy in the U.K., with critics from the entertainment and hospitality sector saying the idea could be discriminatory and infringe on freedom.