The metal label's roster includes God Is an Astronaut, Monster Magnet, Alter Bridge and Jinjer.
In response to the industrywide disruption the coronavirus pandemic has caused, metal/hard rock label Napalm Records — whose talents include God Is An Astronaut, Monster Magnet, Jinjer and Alter Bridge — has launched an online information hub so fans of its talent roster can remain informed about tour delays and cancellations, virtual performances and other related news.
In addition to regular updates, the site is hosting #NapalmSofaSeries, which features links to concerts and exclusive new content — such as intimate living room shows and acoustic sets.
Napalm said in a March 18 statement, “As the impact of COVID-19 is being felt around the world, many of our Napalm Records artists and their teams have had to make the very difficult decision to postpone or cancel their previously scheduled tours. This current situation will cause previously unforeseeable issues for artists and the entire live entertainment industry, but the health and safety of everyone — including our artists, their teams and live music fans — is absolutely paramount, now and always.
“Fan support is appreciated and very important, now more than ever. Contributing to fundraising, sharing words of support with artists and streaming and/or purchasing music will help the beat go on at this difficult time as bands work to move beyond current necessary setbacks.”
The site lists over a dozen Napalm acts whose tours that were set for either North America or overseas had to be canceled or postponed due to the coronavirus. They include Black Mirrors, Monster Magnet, The Agonist and Stoned Jesus. God Is an Astronaut, which also had to call off a tour, has link to garner financial support through merch sales, as do Alestorm, Unleash the Archers, Visions of Atlantis, Wolfheart and Evil Invaders. Five items have been posted so far in the #NapalmSofaSeries, one of them being the Alestorm concert DVD Live at the End of the World.
Managing director Thomas Caser commented, “The essence of our music — experiencing it live — is hit extremely hard by this pandemic. A lot of artists who were on tours that got canceled or had scheduled tours that got canceled or postponed are facing difficult times. But our metal community stays strong, and we have seen amazing reactions, acts of solidarity and support for the artists. This is what our family of metal is about. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for this.
“Please keep on being positive, support the bands by listening to their music, show pride by proudly wearing their merchandising and spread the music by sharing. Keep your tickets for moved tours, shows and festivals, hang in there with us! Better times will come when we all are able to gather again at concerts and festivals to celebrate our music. In the meantime, stay strong, healthy and foremost – HOME! Thank you all!”
