THESSALONIKI — Out of work because of a ban on music being played in clubs, to try to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, hundreds of disc jockeys took to the streets of Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city to call for an end to the restriction.

The DJs, waiters, assistants, bartenders and employees of related professions gathered at the White Tower under a banner stating No Music, No Life, said Kathimerini, also asking to be compensated while out of work.

The New Democracy government had subsidized other workers during lockdowns but musicians and supporting casts as well as others in the arts were essentially left on their own with concerts and performances prohibited.

This protest came after a night curfew was put in place again and a ban on music in bars, restaurants and cafes after another resurgence of the Coronavirus in the city, known for its defiance of health measures and anti-vaxxers.

They are spreading the Coronavirus and adding to restrictions but want access to indoor gathering spots and restaurants without being vaccinated, ironically adding to their dilemma for refusing to be inoculated.

The DJs said it was unfair that they were not allowed to work while concerts are being allowed and as the New Democracy government said the mass gathering of events marking the Oct. 28 Oxi Day would go ahead unhindered.

Christos Kaltsas, President of the Thessaloniki Disk Jockeys’ Association told the paper that 300 workers have lost their jobs while about 200 venues, mostly nightclubs, have been closed or lost most of their business because of the music ban that's ongoing.