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Musicians around the world are taking performances online amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.

“I’m not alone; I’ve had a lot of shows cancelled,” said Canadian music legend Burton Cummings.

Cummings got the idea to take his music to social media because the COVID-19 isolation reminded him of when he was a kid, trapped inside during wild Winnipeg snowstorms.

“My goodness, I’m shut in here and so are millions of people around the world, so I thought maybe I’ll sing a song or two for the shut-ins,” Cummings said, speaking from his home in Moose Jaw, Sask.

Cummings, the former frontman of the Guess Who, isn’t the only musician popping up online.

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Jim Cuddy from Blue Rodeo, along with a few friends, went acoustic online.

“Everyone’s stuffed in their houses, and we all feel this stir-crazy feeling so musicians are thinking, well, let’s put a little entertainment in the porthole and see if it creates a diversion,” Cuddy said.

It’s happening everywhere, too.

5:55 Local musician talks about playing live shows online amid COVID-19 Local musician talks about playing live shows online amid COVID-19

Italians are taking to their balconies, and the Arkells are giving music lessons online, all because the music scene as we know it has left the stage.

“It reads like a science-fiction novel. Who would have thought we’d be in a place where we can’t get close to each other? My wife and I are heading to the farm where we’re going to self-isolate and see what happens,” said Cuddy.

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Cummings is 72 years old, and he says he now understands the upside of social media.

“I’ve been bullied and persecuted online and I think this is a real positive for social media. We’re all in this together,” said Cummings.

We’re all together, even while we’re all alone, thanks to online pop-up concerts and a few inspirational words that stand up even without the music.

“Stand tall, everyone, ’cause we’re in this together,” Cummings said.

“Stand tall and don’t you fall.”

2:54 Coronavirus around the world: March 19, 2020 Coronavirus around the world: March 19, 2020