Chord of protest by live band artistes and music lovers

Chord of protest by live band artistes and music lovers

Staff Reporter
‘Having liquor and viewing live music is not a crime’
— Photo: K. Murali Kumar

Against ban: Live band artistes performing in front of the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Bangalore on Sunday.
BANGALORE: A host of music lovers, young live band artistes and music lovers on Sunday staged a protest against the ban on live band in restaurants.

‘Let music live’
Holding placards that said “Music be the food of love, you are starving us”, “Bust crime, not creativity”, “Let music live”, “Do not kill the music”, they staged a dharna in front of the Mahatma Gandhi statue on Mahatma Gandhi Road here.

Illogical
They termed illogical the argument that live music in restaurants and bars increased crime.

“Even the live band artistes have families. They have to maintain it. Ban has affected their financial condition,” the protesters said.

“The live band artistes and music lovers are not potential criminals. Having liquor and viewing live music is not a crime,” said Arati Rao, artiste.

Those who want to go for dinner, viewing live music are denied their rights,” she added.

Platform
Restaurants provided platform to young artistes to exhibit their talent, she added.

“Let the police take action against those who perform in an objectionable manner, but not curb live band,” she said.

‘Allow live band’
Carlton, artiste, said that the State Government should allow live band and protect the interests of artistes and music lovers.