Orange Goblin frontman launches JustGiving campaign for Team Rock staff made redundant before Christmas

Over 70 members of staff have lost their jobs

Orange Goblin (Press image)

Orange Goblin frontman Ben Ward has set up a JustGiving campaign with the aim to raise money for Team Rock staff, after they were made redundant on Monday.

Over 70 members of staff who worked for titles including Metal Hammer, Classic Rock and Prog are set to lose their jobs less than a week before Christmas, without severance pay.

Team Rock was set up in 2012; buying the magazines Classic Rock, Classic Rock Presents Prog and Metal Hammer from Future Publishing in 2013.

Administrators were called in after the firm found itself in financial difficulties and was trading at a loss "for a significant period of time", according to a report from join administrator Tom MacLennan.

Mr MacLennan said that the administration presents "an excellent opportunity to acquire high profile rock music titles, products and brands that have a substantial music following".

Ward said: "73 members of the Team Rock staff were told that the company is going into liquidation and that they are being made redundant with immediate effect with ZERO pay.

"These are good, hard-working, committed people that through Metal Hammer, Classic Rock, Prog, TeamRock Radio and more, have supported the rock and heavy metal scene in this country and now we, the rock community, need to pull together to give something back.

"Please spare what you can so that everyone may enjoy the festive spirit.

So far Ward's JustGiving page has raised over £40,000 of its £20,000 target. You can see the page and donate here.