We all know that COVID-19 threw the brakes on the live music industry. As reported by Rolling Stones Magazine, all hopes are on some shows crawling back to the stage by late 2021, but that could be little more than a pipe dream. Even if COVID has been slowed down and even if enough vaccines have been given globally, there are other financial issues at play. As the music industry finds ways to restart and reboot it will be necessary to identify the expenses and methods used for artists and promoters before it can be decided if they are COVID prepared and venue ready for shows.
There is no single way an artist is promoted. There is no set method of pricing. Each group from those just starting out to superstars has their own ego-systems to provide for. Taxes, road crews, electricians, lighting crews, wardrobe people, musicians, medical staff, and drivers are just a few of the people that are paid to travel with the shows. Some larger shows spend hundreds of thousands of dollars per day to prepare for a show. The amount of money that is shared with the promoter is sometimes as small as 5%, but with huge acts that is a lot of money. The percentage could be as much as 50% in some cases. Then the venue has to make a profit too.
Before the pandemic, it was not uncommon for a venue to depend on sales of food and drinks to make their money. In some forums, the concessions accounted for 80% of their profits. When the venues reopen, they will almost certainly require masks, social distancing to some degree, and requirements of not filing a venue to full capacity. These could have a massive effect on the sales of food and drinks. The venue owners will have to renegotiate the way they get paid.
Phase 1 – Quarantine
While we are in phase one, everyone has to accept that quarantine is necessary to save lives. Companies in every industry have had to go online in order to stay in business. Workers have had to work from home. People have to communicate via phone, email, and chat.
Industry leaders in adult entertainment like Lottoland have been operating from offshore locations for years. This made it easy for people to reach out and find ways to have fun, play the lottery, play slots, bet on sporting events, and just enjoy their lives from their own homes. Lottoland set a great example for other companies. This is not only fun, during a global emergency, but it is also a way adults can step away from the stress of life for a while. It is a way to feel normal and also to dream again. What better way to dream about a better world than to imagine winning the lottery.
Phase 2 – New Ideas
There is always a way. If you want to do something bad enough, you will find a way to make it happen. Music is part of us, It helps us grow. It helps us develop. From infants to seniors, we relate to music. So it is not surprising that new ways of enjoying live music together have cropped up. Here are some examples:
Drive-In Concerts
Just like the old drive-in movies, bands and artists are on a platform in front of and above the people. Guests enter the lot in their cars and a speaker is provided which fits into their window. They stay inside their cars and watch the performance while they are safe from other concert-goers. They can bring snacks, blankets, and sodas with them and be very comfortable without the worry of catching anything from anyone getting too close to them.
Pod Raves
Pod raves allow you to dance with those you came with. You actually drive to an event and park in a parking lot and park your vehicle. You are then directed (masks in place) to a pod with those who came with you to a spot where you are allowed to dance to your heart’s content. Your area is fenced in and it is at least 6-feet away from any other pod. So you get to dance with others in a safe if a bit unusual way, at a music event. That’s cool.
Vertical Parties
So you keep your eyes open for an outdoor concert. Then you and all of your friends grab your phones and book every room on the side of the hotels that face the stage. You will have to be quick because you will not be the only people who think of this and you may have to book some rooms at a hotel next to yours, just try to get the rooms facing the stage. Grab your beer, snacks, and whatever else you indulge in, and head for the balcony. Party with your friends below and above you. Make some noise, set up some laptops so you can all see each other well. Only, go easy on the alcohol. You don’t need any climbers.
This seems to be where we are for now. We may be moving slowly but we are moving. There has never been anything that has been able to stop people from living life to its fullest. We will always do what we must to survive but we will always include the things that we love. Life is too short to give up on fun and laughter. We all know there is a light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel. Together, we will get there. We will celebrate this victory as we have every victory before it. With grace and music.
