Arlo Parks What I miss most about live music is the sense of community. Whether I’m on stage or in the crowd there’s something about gigs that feels like healing in public. People are tipsy, emotional, singing along off-key, holding each other and giggling. Live music is an opportunity to leave baggage, anxieties and reality at the door. I feel a sense of bittersweetness and longing – but when live music returns it will be better than ever. Phil Wang I miss the shared naughty secret of a live comedy night. The low ceilings that squeeze comedian and crowd together. I miss outrageous jokes – the wide-eyed, shocked glee of people relishing this break from polite society. I miss the “Yes!” of a universal experience identified, and the “Err … ” of a failed observation that is just you, it turns out. Most of all, I miss the faces. Seas of lips and noses. All beautiful. Remember them? How erotic they were? No? Just me. Phil Wang plays the London Palladium, W1, 12 June Daniel Avery I don’t have anything against the concept of live streams but the torrential downpour of DJs (like me) stood in front of tables this past year has reminded me of the importance of the physical experience of clubbing. Buying tickets, losing your jacket, being blinded by strobes, laughing endlessly … it all combines to create a world where, when the right record hits, it can literally change your life. Daniel Avery performs two live shows at Hackney Church, E5, 29 May Koko Brown I really miss being in the room. Not just because of the big stuff, like seeing someone nail a routine. It’s the language you build, the jokes and the knowing looks. I’m so proud of how this industry has adapted. Venues and companies found ways to support communities – from creating online work to becoming food banks. I just miss being in the room! Koko Brown’s podcast Black in Power is widely available Shabaka Hutchings I miss hearing music played at enormous volumes. It was only during lockdown, when my listening occurred at “respectable” decibel levels, that I appreciated the necessity of experiencing the power and healing that happens on a deep bodily level. I will be the first person in front of a sound system once festivals start up! Sons of Kemet’s new album, Black to the Future, is out 14 May Maisie Cousins I miss the openings ! The free wine! And friends who you don’t get to see often, making rare appearances. Seeing art in the flesh was something I didn’t realise I needed so much for my own inspiration. It’s just not the same on the screen, even with photography. I want to see the print and the framing and all the details. I met my partner at Photo London in Somerset House a few years ago and we have a daughter now whose middle name is ... Somerset. Cheesy, I know. John Grant This summer – geez Louise, there’s going to be a summer? What I miss doing is listening to Gloria Lynne in Bora Bora. I want to go see Godzilla vs Kong at the movie theatre. I’m just looking forward to being able to eat out with friends. I need some warmth right now. It snowed heavily last night because 1 April lasts all month here in Iceland. A summer stroll through the park and an iced coffee outside on a crowded patio would be welcome, too. Which is strange because the crowded part is usually not welcome for me, even in peacetime.