Various UK Metal giants have united in support of members of the road and tech crew industries, in the wake of Covid-19.

The pandemic has left live music crews particularly devastated, as live entertainment is one of the only sectors that has had to remain completely closed for the duration of the pandemic (since March 2020).

UK Metal Merger sees the coming together of some of UK rock and metal’s most celebrated names to support those individuals who have seen their livelihoods devastated by the effect of COVID on the live music industry. The brainchild of music producer Mark Mynett, UK Metal Merger sees eighteen UK metal musicians – including members of Cradle Of Filth, My Dying Bride, Winterfylleth, Kill II This, Xentrix, Divine Chaos, Krysthla and Pythia – remotely writing and performing collaboratively on an epic track called 'In Solitude', with the aim of highlighting the severity of the impact of COVID lockdowns on those involved in live music: from roadies; to sound engineers; to drivers; to venue staff.

The single will be released on May 4, 2021, and is an epic 12-and-a-half-minute musical journey. Mixed and mastered during the second lockdown, with the video filmed, then edited during the third lockdown, over 300 hours of contributions were edited down into a track which explodes into a symphonic and powerful listening experience.

UK Metal Merger’s call-to-arms is to ask those who are able to for a donation to the UK Metal Merger Stagehand Crew Relief Fund. "It doesn't have to be much but it all counts. You will be helping to avoid a catastrophic loss of skills, knowledge and experience in the live music industry," a statement says.

"Without roadies there won’t be a live events industry, even when Covid restrictions are lifted. Crowdfunding is needed because the help available isn’t reaching everybody and if that continues, we risk losing an industry that brings so much joy to all of our lives," the statement continues. "Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity."

Help fund the cause here.