Musicians Against Homelessness is back with a huge lineup supporting the cause

OASIS guru Alan McGee is teaming up with local bands in the Merseyside area as part of the Musicians Against Homelessness #MAH2019 campaign to raise money for the homeless charity Crisis.

Rock and pop stars including Shaun Ryder, Cast, James, Dodgy and many more have got behind the cause, which looks set to have an even bigger impact this year. Brian Mcfadden and Keith Duffy’s Boyzlife, Scouting For Girls, The Hoosiers and Neville Staple Band are just a few of the artists who’ll be taking to MAH stages in support.

Former Oasis guru Alan McGee launched the campaign in 2016. More than 1000 bands have played over five hundred MAH benefit gigs around the UK. “I am delighted that bands of this calibre want to be part of this campaign. The support in Merseyside has been tremendous and inspiring and it’s fantastic that so many quality bands have come forward.
“Although our primary concern is to combat the scourge of homelessness it is vital that the MAH gigs also give up-and-coming combos a chance to play to larger audiences.”
The response has been incredible and the campaign has gone from strength to strength.We are getting people talking and taking action on homelessness in the best way we know how, through music and community. This problem will not go away. Statistics show a significant rise in the people sleeping rough on British streets – 4,677 in January in England alone- which is an absolute disgrace.”

Happy Mondays and Black Grape star Shaun Ryder said: “To see so many people in this day and age homeless and hungry is unbelievable. This is not Victorian Britain! As usual it’s the people who are not in a position to speak for themselves or be heard who get left behind and ignored. It’s become so common to see homeless people on the streets that maybe it’s not a shock when you walk past. Or maybe it’s so shocking that you have to look away, and try not to think about it?”

John Power

John Power, lead singer with Cast, said: “It’s great to be asked to be involved with the Musicians Against Homelessness campaign again. With so many ongoing problems in the world today it’s sometimes easy to forget the ones in which you come face to face with everyday in the towns and cities up and down the UK.”

Jon Sparkes, Chief Executive of Crisis, said: “I’m delighted that Musicians Against Homelessness will be supporting Crisis again this year with what promises to be an even bigger and better programme of gigs and events. Homelessness remains an unsolved problem across the UK, so your help and support is much needed, and greatly appreciated.”

Alan McGee famously managed Oasis and currently manages The Jesus & Mary Chain , Black Grape, Happy Mondays and Cast, among others. The maverick businessman believes the MAH campaign also gives new bands a platform, in the way that Rock Against Racism did in the 1970s. He said: “Music brings us together regardless of politics or social standing. It’s a great leveller and a vital tool for change.” He went on: “The Homelessness Reduction Bill is a step in the right direction. But without the necessary funding to enable local councils to prevent homelessness it will be ineffective.”

Musicians Against Homelessness – Merseyside spans across the 27th, 28th and 29th September with 11 stages hosted by the best independent venues the north west has to offer.