We all know that nothing compares to the excitement and adrenaline you get right before a performance. Yet, even musicians of the world’s biggest bands are not immune to bloopers and mishaps, as we are often reminded each year. If you’ve been lucky enough to avoid accidents or injuries yourself, chances are, you’ve probably at least witnessed one.

Our partners at Aon are committed to providing you with the knowledge and tools to improve your risk management at your next gig.

Let’s take a look at some the things that can lead to an accident during a performance or lesson, and where insurance can step in and help provide some protection.

A stray cable that becomes a trip hazard

Stray cables can be a significant cause of accidents concerning musicians, bands and performing groups. If a cable is not securely tied down this can easily trip a band member, venue worker or even a member of the audience. Some quick fixes (if possible) to avoid this hazard include:

Using cables in bright colours or applying caution tape over black cables
Using good quality tape along the length of the cable while it is stuck down
Carefully routing guitar and microphone cables to avoid trip hazards on stage
Where possible, using radio microphones to reduce the risk even further

The slippery floor

A floor that is too slippery is the first ingredient for disaster, unless your on-stage performance only consists of slides and spins. Use of special effects such as bubble, snow or foam machines can turn dancefloors and mosh-pits into an ice rink mid performance. It is important to manage the risks of using equipment like these, as they can cause significant injury in a big crowd.

If you fail to take due care in assessing the surrounding environment before your performance, an audience member could hold you liable if they suffer an injury, leading to an expensive lawsuit.

An instrument or stage equipment goes flying into the audience

While these things may be amusing when they happen in movies and cartoons, when they happen in real life, they’re not as laughable. Not only will the distraction of the instrument cause issues of its own, but if an audience member is injured, you could end up with an expensive lawsuit on your hands.

Do I need Performers Insurance if the venue has insurance?

Although the venue or contractor may have their own Public Liability insurance in place, in some instances, it may not cover liability of performers or other third parties engaged by the venue in the event of an occurrence which results in a claim.

This is because their insurance generally covers them for their own insured activities and liabilities. Usually, performers are not employees, and therefore the venue’s policy will sometimes fail to extend to liability caused by third party performers.

Insurance for Musicians, Bands & Performing Groups

As you can see, a lot can go wrong when you’re practicing with your band, or holding a performance. And while the consequences of such incidents can vary, some events can end up in expensive lawsuits against you and your business. There are many steps you can take to ensure your own safety and the safety of your audience, but sometimes, taking all the right steps isn’t enough, and accidents can still happen. This is why insurance is an important consideration for musicians, bands and performing groups.

Public Liability Insurance is designed to help protect you in the event you or your business are held responsible for bodily injury and/or property damage to someone during the course of your performance or day to day activities.

Aon are proud partners of Music Victoria and are committed to making life easier for musicians, performers and live music venues with insurance that is easy to understand, buy and manage.