Author: Ian Fleming

As the entertainment industry wrestles with its future in lieu of the COVID-19 pandemic that has economically ravaged the sector, there’s a glint of good news to report.

Virgin Money Unity Arena, the first socially distanced music venue, has opened at Gosforth Park in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. The open-air space seats 2,500 fans on 500 spaced-out viewing platforms.

VMUA kicked off last night with a performance from singer-songwriter Sam Fender. Several events are planned into September, including a DJ set from Patrick Topping.

With musicians eager to get back to work and fans keen to witness live music, it’ll be interesting to see if VMUA inspires similar events around the world.

Image by David Wala Photography

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An online fundraiser has been launched to help Chicago house music luminary and ghetto house innovator DJ Deeon (a.k.a. Deeon Boyd), who has been struggling for years with health issues.

Widely known in the global underground for his bawdy productions and exuberant DJ sets, Deeon’s career dates back to 1994 when he released his debut Funk City EP on Windy City label Dance Mania. Deeon went on to release more than 30 releases for the label during a five-year stretch until it shuttered in 1999.

However, Deeon has suffered a series of health setbacks over the years, including quadruple bypass heart surgery and the amputation of his leg. In 2018, he suffered a mini-stroke and has battled other health conditions over the past two years.

As he’s unable to tour due to COVID-19, Deeon is asking fans to financially help him weather the storm. In return, donors can choose from a selection of offerings, including tracks, merchandise and even a private DJ gig.

“I’m not one to ask for help – it doesn’t sit comfortably with me – and I believe you should never get something for nothing so here I am offering to you what I can.”

More information about the fundraiser can be found here.

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Award-winning British DJ/producer/radio host Steve “Smooth” Sutherland has died, according to reports on social media. Details regarding the death are not yet known.

Sutherland’s career spanned more than two decades. He was a major force in the U.K. urban music scene, producing R&B, two-step, hip-hop, UK garage and grime releases. Sutherland, who release 12 mix albums, garnered a faithful following via his shows on Choice FM and Galaxy FM. He won four MOBO awards.

A founding DJ of urban club brand Twice As Nice, he was a resident DJ at Pacha Ibiza, Ministry Of Sound, Gatecrasher and Cookies and Cream London.

Colleagues from the U.K. music scene have expressed their condolences on social media.

Trevor Nelson tweeted, “I just heard the sad news of another great loss for black music in the UK. Condolences to the family of Steve Sutherland with whom I first met and worked at the Kensington Rooftop Gardens 30 years ago.”

The MOBO Awards tweeted: “We are deeply saddened to hear the news of the death of DJ Steve Sutherland. His contribution to the British black music scene will never be forgotten.”

I am so gutted to hear of #SteveSutherland’s passing. The amount of times he’d get my to leave my house late in the evening to appear on his radio show “it’s gotta be live Bev, no pre-record business!” A BRILLIANT, well loved DJ with an immense legacy. Gutted.

— Beverley Knight (@Beverleyknight) July 10, 2020

Absolutely devastated to hear my friend Steve Sutherland has passed away 😢 – Rest in peace brother 💔

— Jumpin Jack Frost (@djjjfrost) July 10, 2020

It is with great sadness we announce the loss of another Legend with the passing Steve Sutherland A major part @TwiceasNiceUK family one of our original residents & creator of our gold selling CD he will be greatly missed leaves us with many fond memories.https://t.co/rLcx3iZL1j pic.twitter.com/1Dc9ff2YyF

— TwiceasNice (@TwiceasNiceUK) July 10, 2020

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