Pop Culture

A ‘socially distanced’ concert — is this the future for music lovers?

It’s been so long since we’ve been able to attend concerts that it’s hard to picture ever going back to the pre-coronavirus days of sweaty mosh pits and shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. It’s likely going to be a while before we get back to that carefree state — if ever.

The U.K. held an outdoor “socially distanced” concert on Tuesday, the country’s first since COVID-19 spread around the world. Approximately 2,500 fans gathered at Virgin Money Unity Arena in Gosforth Park, Newcastle, with a show by English singer-songwriter Sam Fender.

Images and video of the concert quickly went viral; instead of people standing side by side in a large mass, it featured 500 separate viewing areas, most on raised metal platforms. The areas are roughly six feet apart and can accommodate up to five people, all of whom must arrive in the same vehicle.

Read more:
This might be the Space Age suit you wear to concerts during COVID-19

Story continues below advertisement

The venue’s website lists a number of rules about food and drink — that must be pre-ordered on phones — and a physically distanced queuing system for entering the arena after parking.

Guests are also not permitted to leave the platforms unless they’re going to use the bathrooms, which can be found at the end of each row of viewing areas.

Social media users seemed to embrace the idea, saying the concept of distanced concerts is appealing.

Story continues below advertisement

As of this writing, there are no venues in Canada currently offering this option, though some concerts have been held at drive-in theatres to great success.

Story continues below advertisement

© 2020 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

Products You May Like

Articles You May Like

Princess Wow Guests On “If These Walls Could Talk” With Hosts Wendy Stuart and Tym Moss Wednesday, March 27th, 2024
Rocky Kramer’s Rock & Roll Tuesdays Presents “March Madness” On Tuesday March 26th, 2024, 7 PM PT on Twitch
Wendy Stuart Presents TriVersity Talk! Wednesday, March 27th, 2024 7 PM ET With Featured Guest Kerry Thomas