John Newman has expressed deep concerns for the safety of artists traveling for work, following the tragic death of American star Oliver Tree. The 32-year-old singer died when the helicopter he was traveling in crashed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Five others also lost their lives in the accident, including director Lucas Vignale, Argentinian YouTuber Gaspar Prim (known as Gaspi), DJ and producer Lucas Frota (real name Lucas Brito Chaves), and pilots Alexandre Souza and Charles Marsillac.
Newman's Emotional Plea
Taking to Instagram, the British musician shared his grief and called for better protection for artists. He wrote: "It pains me so so much along with so many people I'm sure to read about the loss of Oliver Tree." Newman highlighted the risks artists face while traveling, stating: "We travel the world at such risk away from our families to be able to achieve the amount of shows artists have to now to try and make a living." He recalled feeling unsafe in vehicles due to drivers using phones, falling asleep, or speeding.
Newman argued that the industry must take responsibility: "Contracts are there for a reason and they are skipped to save funds for promoters... Often to have unprofessional drivers to transport artists." He urged promoters to ensure safe transportation, saying: "Please the world of live music, keep us safe as we do you and the income of your family by selling tickets to your shows." He added: "Other artists, we have to be united in saying we deserve the small cost to the promoters to make sure we are transported safely."
Investigation Underway
Local Civil Police have launched an investigation into the crash. The Brazilian Air Force confirmed that investigators from the Third Regional Service for Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents (SERIPA III) were called to conduct an initial assessment. The crash involved two aircraft, registration numbers PP-MAC and PR-DJJ, in Recreio dos Bandeirantes, in the Southwest Zone of Rio de Janeiro.
Newman concluded his post by acknowledging that the accident may not have been due to a live music event's responsibility but admitted: "It's just reading and seeing these reminders to be honest scare the s*** out of me and make you think how can I do something to make sure I get home to my family every time."
