Elton John warns of "catastrophe" for the British music industry

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Elton John: "The situation is already critical"

Photo: Michael Kovac / Getty Images

In a statement on Instagram, Elton John criticized the Brexit agreement with its consequences for the British music industry as a "catastrophe".

Musicians are no longer allowed to tour the EU without a visa.

The British music industry is threatened with the loss of a "generation of talent," it says.

"It will be impossible for new and emerging artists to tour Europe freely," writes John.

The reason is "unaffordable costs for visas, customs and registration documents."

The situation is already "critical".

Touring musicians and crews could no longer make a living.

Musician careers would be “stalled before they even start”.

Elton John sees the British government as guilty.

She is still "unable or unwilling" to solve the problem.

Instead, the government blames the European Union: "The government wanted to protect musicians and other creative people from the consequences of Brexit on tours," says John.

"She broke her 2020 promise."

In January, Sir Elton, along with fellow musicians such as Roger Waters and Ed Sheeran, signed a letter criticizing the government's Brexit deal for not providing for a visa waiver for musicians.

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