Montreux Jazz Festival releases free streams of performances by Nina Simone, Wu-Tang Clan, Marvin Gaye and more

Joining the movement to bring live music online during a time of self-isolation, Montreux Jazz Festival has made more than 50 performances available to stream for free. The sets from throughout the festival's history include names like Nina Simone, Johnny Cash, Wu Tang Clan, Ray Charles, Deep Purple and more.

The news was announced in tandem with a statement that the Swiss festival would postpone its line-up announcement as the festival organisers assess the situation in regards to the global coronavirus pandemic, which has led to the cancellation of festivals throughout the world. Montreux Jazz Festival is currently still due to take place from 3 to 18 July 2020.

A statement from organisers reads:

"Concerned by the seriousness of the situation and mindful of its evolution, the Festival management is closely assessing developments in conjunction with both the authorities and those involved in the organisation of the event. To date, the holding of the Festival, from 3 to 18 July 2020, is not compromised. Our team is therefore continuing its work, in hope and humility, to enable this year’s Festival to happen under the best possible conditions.

"The entire Festival team would like to thank everyone who is contributing, be it directly or indirectly, to the collective effort to combat the pandemic. We also express our support and solidarity in particular with those in the cultural sector who are experiencing difficulties during this time."

Instructions on how to stream the performances are available here.