MORE than 80 musicians and politicians have written a letter to UK billionaire Richard Branson to demand payments for their performances at a now closed hotel.
Thousands of pounds are owed to artists by Virgin Hotels after the closure of its Glasgow hotel one year ago.
In 2023, after opening in August, the Glasgow Virgin Hotel closed its doors in December making more than 130 employees redundant and leaving entertainment unpaid.
For the past year, the hotel has owed over £17,000 to artists, with one still waiting for £4000.
David Toule, one of the artists, decided to take action and appeal to the Branson, who co-founded Virgin Hotels.
“The reason we went into this situation is because [the regional director of entertainment] was the one who was constantly reassuring us, the artists," Toule said.
Toule claimed that the regional director of entertainment, external to the Glasgow hotel, promised that the outstanding balance would be paid.
He added: "Obviously, the reality is that he did not know better."
Toule explained that as senior management promised payment, artists continued to accept more and more work.
“It was irresponsible for the group to continue to book musical entertainment for the hotel if there was even the slightest likelihood that musicians would not be paid for their work,” wrote Toule in the letter.
He called it “unethical and unjust”.
Toule decided to write the letter to help fellow musicians who lost money in the ordeal.
Toule shared that the end of the year is crucial for musicians, as it represents a key opportunity to earn money before the quieter months of January and February.
Multiple artists now refuse to work for the hotel chain.
In the letter, Toule urged for “swift action to resolve this matter and restore the trust and reputation that Virgin name has had within the music industry since its inception".
He added: “I want to know I have done everything possible for the musicians. It’s just gone so far and for so long.
“Either [Branson has] seen it and ignored it which is appalling, or he hasn’t seen it. It has to be one of the two."
The letter was sent to Branson at two different addresses.
A Virgin Hotels spokesperson said that Branson did not receive the letter.
"We understand the impact their decision has had on Lloyds Developments’ suppliers, including musicians who performed at the hotel, and we feel deeply for them during this uncertain time," said a spokesperson from Virgin Hotels.
"Lloyds Developments Limited, the owner of Virgin Hotels Glasgow, was put into administration by its lenders on 19 December 2023, following financial difficulties.
"Virgin Group has no ownership interest in Lloyd’s Development, but as the licensor of the Virgin brand, tried to find solutions, including offering to purchase the hotel in order to keep the hotel open, keep the team employed, and to ensure all suppliers were paid.
"Unfortunately, the lenders did not accept Virgin’s offers and proceeded to pursue a sales process with the hotel closed."
