This week on The BACK LOUNGE, it’s a check in, whatever you do across live music and events, you’re welcome here and wherever you are at in your career. We’re here to share knowledge, cheer you on, and commiserate when you need it. Our chats tend to cross both, such is the way on the road. I’m away at the fabulous GTL Sessions, so Rowan McDonagh will be chairing this one. To join our discussion, email info@thebacklounge.org to register AT LEAST 30 MINS before the call starts for your zoom link. Wednesday 7th May 6pm London / 7pm CET / 1pm EDT / 10am PDT

This week on The BACK LOUNGE, it’s a check in, whatever you do across live music and events, you’re welcome here and wherever you are at in your career. We’re here to share knowledge, cheer you on, and commiserate when you need it. Our chats tend to cross both, such is the way on the road. I’m away at the fabulous GTL Sessions, so Rowan McDonagh will be chairing this one. To join our discussion, email info@thebacklounge.org to register AT LEAST 30 MINS before the call starts for your zoom link. Wednesday 7th May 6pm London / 7pm CET / 1pm EDT / 10am PDT

This Wednesday our BACK LOUNGE session sees lounge regulars Joanne Croxford and Rowan McDonagh in charge. It’s a general chat, expect the fun and the perils of working in ‘live’ alongside mental health and sobriety advocacy, given our gorgeous guests’ passions. Whether you are in front or behind the scenes, you are welcome to join our global community, whether you’ve been before or are curious as to what this is, we hope to meet you very soon. To join this week’s zoom please pre-register here info@thebacklounge.org soon. Wed 20th Nov 6pm London / 7pm CET / 1pm EDT / 10am PDT.

This Wednesday on The BACK LOUNGE, it’s a chat. How’s the landscape? Things a little quiet maybe? That does seem to be the word of late. How’s your run to Christmas, and anything in the pipeline for next year? Whatever you do in the industry, climbing the ladder or seasoned pro, connect with a community of like-minded folks looking to do things in a better way. We’re an online peer group offering connection and support, and a place to talk freely with folks who understand the highs and the pitfalls, come and go as you please. To join this week’s zoom please pre-register here info@thebacklounge.org Wed 13th Nov 6pm London / 7pm CET / 1pm EDT / 10am PDT.

‘THE FUTURE OF LIVE MUSIC’ is our lofty subject on The BACK LOUNGE on Wednesday 6th November. We’ve all noticed there’s less work around and increasing cancellations for various reasons. This discussion is about understanding some of the issues fuelling this. From dynamic ticketing, to monopoly of the market, to where is all the money going and of course, what does this mean for us? Less grassroots venues, less talent coming up, less risk taking, and yes, less work. Joining us are Gideon Gottfried, Editor of Pollstar UK/Europe, Adam Webb, journalist and lead on FanFair Alliance campaign against online ticket touting, and Paul Jones, Technical Production Manager working at the coal face of events. Our zoom is a discussion with plenty of opportunity for thoughts and questions. To join please pre register here info@thebacklounge.org Wed 6th Nov 6pm London / 7pm CET / 1pm EDT / 10am PDT.

Next Wednesday on The BACK LOUNGE it’s a check in, with music industry therapist Chris Madden. After last week’s call and, let’s face it, most of us are affected in some way by current turbulent times, this one is about finding some wisdom and clarity in others’ behaviour, whatever their viewpoint. You’ll sleep all the better for it. Wed 16th Oct 6pm BST London / 7pm CET / 1pm EDT / 10am PDT

Last night we ran a call on MISOGYNY on The BACK LOUNGE and we were zoom bombed. I’d heard about it happening on 12 step and minority meetings, but in 4 years we’ve never had it on our lovely safe community we host weekly to support anyone in music & events. A group of people joined and rapidly took over, shouting vile hateful language, playing loud white noise and naming us and screen sharing offensive images. We kept the zoom going and methodically removed them as fast as we could. If you’ve ever been witness to anything like this, it’s pretty horrific and an assault on all your senses – the whole thing lasted maybe 4 minutes, but believe me it felt like a long 4 minutes. Afterwards, with 10 of us left, we decided to carry on and thankfully others re-joined and we ran the call as planned. A huge thanks to everyone who was with us and who’ve sent messages since. We appreciate you. And to our guests Estella Adeyeri, Vanessa & Jojo Offshoot and Denise Devenish for holding us through it, thanks for the beautiful circle we created, despite the arseholes who tried unsuccessfully to end our call. It just makes me more determined to host calls like this, clearly they’re needed. Love & Respect, Suzi and The BACK LOUNGE

Next Wednesday we’re tackling ‘MISOGYNY’ on our BACK LOUNGE zoom session, with guests Estella Adeyeri from feminist punk band Big Joanie, Vanessa Govinden & Jojo Khor, musicians / founders of www.offshoottours.com/ and providing support is music industry counsellor Denise Devenish www.denisedevenishcounselling.co.uk If this is an issue that has affected you in the workplace, if you’ve been witness to it and weren’t sure what to do, or you want to stand up and be an ally, this is a safe space. DM for the ZOOM LINK. We will not be recording this session. Wed 9th Oct 6pm BST London / 7pm CET / 1pm EDT / 10am PDT

Next Wednesday on The BACK LOUNGE ‘Roadies in Recovery’ are in residence and its everything you ever wanted to know about 12 step. Our guests are Joanne Croxford (TM/Tour Coordinator), Jon Ostrin (FOH), Jus Percy (former TM now film industry) & Chris Tait (musician & founder Passenger Recovery). What is 12 step all about? What’s with those meetings and the erm …God thing? Our session will be in 2 parts – pt 1 we’ll speak generally and record a resource for sharing. Pt 2 unrecorded and confidential – we will open the mic where no questions are off limits. Wed 2nd October 6pm BST London / 7pm CET / 1pm EDT / 10am PDT
Time: Oct 2, 2024 06:00 PM London
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88929065318?pwd=3fto3mXda2hbrVPpST4nJB6yMj4oDC.1
Meeting ID: 889 2906 5318
Passcode: OpenSesame

Next Wednesday on The BACK LOUNGE it’s ‘MAYBE YOU’RE THE PROBLEM’ with guest Jack Williamson www.jackwilliamson.co.uk/ author, coach & music industry psychotherapist. Wherever it is you may be stuck, from the blame game to imposter syndrome, this one’s about confronting existing thoughts, beliefs and behaviours and getting out of your own way. Everyone welcome. Wednesday 25th September 6pm BST London / 7pm CET / 1pm EDT / 10am PDT.

Next Wednesday on The BACK LOUNGE it’s not one for the faint hearted. Our theme is SWEARING, for some of us it’s therapy in itself ????please expect a ‘colourful’ session, in a variety of languages… Our hosts are 3 of our regular musos – Sharon Keating, Simon Schofield & Chrissie Wilson. All welcome whatever you do in the industry. Therapy takes many forms… Wednesday 18thSeptember 6pm BST London / 7pm CET / 1pm EDT / 10am PDT.

This Wednesday’s BACK LOUNGE is a check in and loose theme of GEAR CHANGE – if summer is behind us, we’ve all now metaphorically gone back to skool, and the slide to the end of another year is ahead, how are you feeling? Have you had time to catch your breath and recalibrate, or is your bank account thinner than you’d like for post festival season? Rowan Mcdonagh PM (The Cowshed) and Tom Green TM are chairing. Wednesday 11thSeptember 6pm BST London / 7pm CET / 1pm EDT / 10am PDT