Swindon grime star Grim Sickers says he is worried about the impact the pandemic will have had on the town’s next crop of musicians.

Rapper Paul Dowman, who uses the Grim Sickers stage name, had his own problems with festival gigs cancelled during lockdown, fears it will have been worse for young people who are looking to carve out a career in the arts.

He said: “Music has suffered massively because of Covid-19."

Earlier this month, the Government’s delay of the lockdown restrictions that had been expected to ease on June 21 forced him to postpone a string of shows where he was set to support Mike Skinner’s The Streets in Birmingham.

With venues closed for well over a year, Paul sympathises with those who are unable to work on their craft and career with live performances.

He said: “Becoming a full-time musician is hard work and working on your performances with live gigs is a crucial part of developing as an act."

Paul, who is originally from Abbey Meads: “I personally have found it quite difficult as I had a number of shows booked which have now been cancelled or postponed to a later date.

“I can’t imagine what it has been like for young people who are looking to start their journey to become musicians and I really hope they haven’t become disheartened because of Covid-19.”

The musician has joined in the growing concerns about the closure of the Oasis Leisure Centre, which doubled as one of the town’s few concert venues and regularly hosted gigs from acts such as Paul Weller, Liam Gallagher and Kasabian.

Paul believes the closure of the venue, on top of the lasting effects of lockdown, could make it far tougher for the town’s musicians to secure live shows. “I think the closure of the Oasis is a massive blow to the town. I saw Example there a few years ago, which was a great experience, and I really hope that situation is sorted so it can re-open.

“Venues like the Oasis are so important to music and I really hope that young people continue to show an interest in becoming musicians, rappers, singers or anything creative.

“Once venues are able to open their doors again it would be great to see the town have a bustling music scene with a variety of acts coming through.”

Paul managed to carry on with some work during the pandemic and plans to release a new project later this year.