Many promoters are trying to figure out ways to start shows safely again. Everything from hazmat suits to empty seats to disinfectant mist stations has been suggested. There have been some concerts since, and in Europe, there does seem to be a bit of social distancing happening. While in America, it seems whatever pandemic shows happened, seem to ignore any social distancing or mask requirements. But in the UK, one venue is really trying to take this social distancing thing seriously, and they held their first concert last night (Tuesday, August 11th) in the UK.
The venue, Virgin Money Unity Arena in Gosforth Park, Newcastle, opened up shop. British artist Sam Fender played, and everybody seemed to have a good time. The venue set up risers that were kept a safe distance from each other, and up to five people were allowed in each riser. Fans arrived by car, and were kept two meters apart. There was a one-way system for toilets.
Overall, it looks as close to low-risk as possible, and much different than the poorly controlled Chainsmokers concert a few weeks back.
Here are some photos and video:
Sam Fender live in Newcastle tonight – the first socially distanced large scale concert. Very civilised. Seems to work. 600 pens with 5 family/friends per pen. Sensible loo/bar/food arrangements. It’s the future! And least for the foreseeable…… pic.twitter.com/WN0NJsyCXc
— Brian Ham (@_BrianHam) August 11, 2020
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDzA2dSnzWp/?utm_source=ig_embed
The UK’s first socially distanced gig is happening now in Newcastle with @samfendermusic headlining, and where attendees have their own private viewing area with 2m of space between them. Here’s what it looks like #samfender #unityarena pic.twitter.com/YBdxpAjYyi
— Kieron Donoghue (@kierondonoghue) August 11, 2020
So this is a Sam Fender concert last night. Great that you can hear live music again. So why can’t non league football allow fans in. #LetFansIn pic.twitter.com/CSWVZYmReY
— ScottCassell (@ScottCassell12) August 12, 2020
Sam Fender in Newcastle tonight. It all looks very strange but fair play to the organisers for finding a way to get live music out there again. pic.twitter.com/cofezOiLyp
— Sarah (@StageySarah) August 11, 2020
Big up Newcastle, big up Sam Fender!!!! We have just got home, I’ve drove over 8 hours today and it was all worth it! I didn’t think I’d get to see the big man himself this year after my tickets for Birmingham were sold without me knowing and then Covid19 ?♂️ Today was just epic!! pic.twitter.com/fK4ve5P5oo
— Jonathan Morgan (@jonathanamorgan) August 12, 2020
The first socially distanced concert was absolutely surreal but really well thought out. Sam Fender was amazing ?? pic.twitter.com/RtUeNLZhtq
— alisha henry (@alishamhenry) August 11, 2020
First socially distant #event #concert in the world #VMUnityArena Sam Fender holding the first ever for the #NorthEast #NewcastleUponTyne @samfendermusic Wow!!! pic.twitter.com/dt9gm8LV5n
— Christian Taylor (@CTaylorSage) August 11, 2020
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDyLgmXgVd7/?utm_source=ig_embed
