Live Nation Set to Bring Concerts Back Amid Pandemic, But With a Major Twist

The world is still very much grappling with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in locales that were distant from major epicenters such as Wuhan and New York City.

This has everything to do with timing.  While NYC was taking a massive hit from coronavirus back in the earlier stages of 2020, much of the rest of the nation looked on with vast concern.  This was a highly populated area, with untold numbers of international travelers who were traversing every square foot of the city that never sleeps, nearly 24/7.  Of course New York would be a hotspot.

And, knowing what we know about the why that viruses operate, the consternation that the nation held for The Big Apple was not matched by the reality on the ground in other cities.  There was no “emergency” in Florida or Arizona at the time that New York was being besieged, as the virus just hadn’t come home to roost yet.  This allowed some citizens to let their guard down, thinking that if New York City could beat coronavirus, it would be beaten entirely.

Of course, as we’re learning now with case counts rising around the country, this is not the case.

Now, in order bring back some semblance of normalcy to America, sports leagues and other entertainment corporations are working to hold game and concerts once again, but with major changes.

So, without further ado, Live Nation brings us the “drive-in” concert series.

Tour promoter Live Nation has announced its first-ever drive-in concerts series in the U.S. for July, months after the live music industry has been on lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The entertainment company on Monday announced “Live from the Drive-In” — a set of nine shows to take place July 10-12 in Nashville, Tennessee; Maryland Heights, Missouri; and Noblesville, Indiana.

Grammy-winning singer Brad Paisley will headline shows in all three cities, while fellow country artists Darius Rucker and Jon Pardi will also perform in Nashville at Nissan Stadium. Nelly will perform in Maryland Heights, near St. Louis.

So, how will it work?

Concertgoers will be able to drive into the parking lots of the amphitheaters — a maximum of four people per car — and will have two empty parking lot spaces in between each vehicle so fans can watch and party from their designated individual tailgating zones. Attendees are encouraged to bring food, drinks and chairs, setting up around their cars to view the performers from the stage and also from the large LED screens.

All venue staff are required to wear masks, and Live Nation requests that attendees wear masks upon arrival, where there will be contact-less ticket scanning through their windows. Masks are not required once fans are in their designated tailgate areas, and Live Nation is not requiring that fans wear gloves.

Will this be the “new normal”, or just a temporary precaution?