Erin McDougle/Vida Creative.
Live music fans all across the globe have been suffering from withdrawals since the concert industry came to an abrupt halt the past few months due to COVID-19. With some experts saying we won’t see live shows until the fall of 2021, others are saying it looks more like 2022. But is there a light at the end of the tunnel? Is it possible to produce a large outdoor concert, while still maintaining safety procedures and social distancing? Maybe, but it will look very different than we’re used to.
Luckily, the regional promoter SSD Concerts and England’s Virgin Money Unity Arena in Newcastle have rolled out a plan to host the first outdoor concert in the social distance era. The show is slated for August, with bands like The Libertines, Two Door Cinema Club, and Supergrass. It’s happening at a space that was formally a horse racecourse that used to fit 20,000 people, but with the new layout will allow 2,500 max. Cars will be parked outside the venue, and people will walk in groups into the venue. The layout will feature platforms for small groups of people who attend together. Port-a-potties will be cleaned after every use, and food and drinks can be pre-ordered.
Check out the full article and interview by Rolling Stone Magazine here.