Blues Brothers Withdraw from Fundraisers Due to SAG-AFTRA Strike
The iconic musical comedy duo, the Blues Brothers, consisting of Jim Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, have announced their withdrawal from two upcoming fundraisers due to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike. The duo was scheduled to perform at Oceana’s Rock Under the Stars event on August 12 and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank’s “A Million Reasons” Celebration on August 13.
In a statement, Dan Aykroyd expressed his disappointment, saying, “Jim Belushi and I are heartsick at having to withdraw from performing as the Blues Brothers for the Oceana and Los Angeles Regional Food Bank charities. We had no choice as SAG-AFTRA restrictions clearly delineate a prohibition against presenting characters from TV and films at concerts and conventions. We are sad to miss these most worthwhile events but must stand in solidarity with the union membership.”
The Blues Brothers originated from a Saturday Night Live skit in 1978 and later became a film directed by John Landis in 1980. According to SAG’s strike guidelines, the union’s 160,000 affected members are prohibited from all principal on-camera work, as well as participating in promotional activities such as conventions, premieres, interviews, festivals, FYC events, award shows, and podcasts. While charity events have been largely unaffected by the strike so far, the Blues Brothers’ situation is unique as they would be appearing as their characters rather than as themselves.
As a replacement for the Blues Brothers, Gladys Knight has been announced as the new headliner for both events. This comes ahead of her Hollywood Bowl show on August 15. The Oceana event is expected to be attended by notable celebrities such as Ted Danson, Woody Harrelson, Mary Steenburgen, and Sam Waterston. The Food Bank event will feature Danson, Steenburgen, Waterston, Jeff Goldblum, and Dylan McDermott as celebrity sous chefs for the cause.
The SAG-AFTRA strike has been ongoing since July 1, 2023, and has had a significant impact on the entertainment industry. The union is demanding better working conditions, fair compensation, and improved benefits for its members. As a result of the strike, numerous film and television productions have been put on hold or delayed, causing financial losses for both the industry and its workers.
While charity events have generally been exempt from strike cancelations, the strict guidelines regarding the portrayal of characters from TV and films have forced the Blues Brothers to withdraw from their scheduled performances. This highlights the extent to which the strike is affecting all aspects of the entertainment industry.
The decision to withdraw from the fundraisers demonstrates the Blues Brothers’ commitment to standing in solidarity with the union membership. By adhering to SAG-AFTRA’s restrictions, they are sending a clear message that they support the demands of their fellow actors and performers.
The replacement of the Blues Brothers with Gladys Knight ensures that the fundraisers can still proceed as planned. Knight’s performance is highly anticipated, and her presence will undoubtedly attract a large audience, helping to raise funds for the respective charities.
As the SAG-AFTRA strike continues, it remains to be seen how long it will last and what impact it will have on future events and productions. The union is determined to fight for its members’ rights, and it is clear that even beloved acts like the Blues Brothers are not exempt from the strike’s effects.
In conclusion, the Blues Brothers’ withdrawal from two upcoming fundraisers due to the SAG-AFTRA strike highlights the significant impact of the ongoing labor dispute on the entertainment industry. Their decision to stand in solidarity with the union membership demonstrates their commitment to supporting fair working conditions and compensation for actors and performers. The replacement of the Blues Brothers with Gladys Knight ensures that the fundraisers can still proceed successfully, raising funds for important charitable causes. As the strike continues, it is crucial for all parties involved to find a resolution that addresses the concerns of the union and allows for a sustainable and equitable future for the industry.
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