Devin Townsend Starts GoFundMe After Coronavirus Concerns Forced Tour Cancellation

Canadian singer/songwriter and former frontman of Strapping Young Lad Devin Townsend started up his own GoFundMe page after the singer was forced to postpone his tour. Townsend is taking huge financial hit cancelling his tour after more than a year’s work in preparing for the tour, especially after having to postpone upcoming spring tour dates as well.

Townsend released a statement following the cancellation that reflects his sorrow for both his fans and those who have been affected by the virus. While the singer regrets his postponement, he also understands this is not a cancellation, and fans will be rightly compensated in the future regardless of what is happening now. Read Townsend’s statement below:

“Hey all,  I know this is undoubtedly the least appropriate time to ask for this, as I’m sure we’re all trying to figure out what to do in these troubled times, but the cancellation of my recent tour had significant financial implications and with no idea how to make income for the next while, I am asking for some help to sustain my family whilst being able to continue working on new musical ideas. As with any significant tour, the investments of putting up a good show with a fantastic crew and band are massive. There’s lightning rigs, video screens, tour busses, work visas, merch production & logistics, international flights and a ton of other things that require financial backing and when a tour gets cancelled due to government restrictions there’s no insurance policy in place to cover any of that. As with so many of my peers (and people in general of course) dealing with the same problems, it means that I’m struggling to keep the business afloat.  If you are struggling yourself (which is most of us) please don’t worry about this, but if you’ve got a bit extra, I certainly would appreciate it. Above all, in the coming months, please take care. Love and light, and thanks from the bottom of my heart. Devin”

Townsend noted in the description of his GoFundMe page that any amount donated would be helpful; he also stated that those who are struggling to keep their families healthy and safe should focus on themselves, while donations from those with a bit extra would be greatly appreciated.

Drew Feinerman: I have just completed my senior at the University of Michigan majoring in international studies with an emphasis in political economics and development, with a minor in Chinese language and culture, and I have recently been accepted into the Berklee School of Music's masters of music business program. Although my academic interests include economics, political science, and history, I consider music to be my one true passion. Music is, and has always been, a driving force for the way I think and act every day of my life. I have been playing the tenor saxophone since the age of ten, and playing an instrument at a high level has allowed me to only further my understanding and appreciation for music. While I grew up listening to predominantly classic rock, I soon found myself gravitating toward jazz, hip-hop, funk, and other genres, as my learned to both play and analyze music as a listener. As a writer, I am able to apply my skills both as a musician and a listener, and look forward to the opportunity to being able to express my thoughts on various stories in the music industry.
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