Sam Fender Holds UK’s First Socially Distanced Concert
On August 11, U.K. indie-rock artist, Sam Fender, hosted the first social distanced concert, giving us all hope that there could be concerts sooner than we think.
Amidst COVID-19, many artists have postponed and even canceled concerts in hopes of keeping fans safe. However, don’t give up on your favorite artists just yet because there might just be a safe way for many concerts to start back up. On Tuesday in the Virgin Money Unity Arena in Newcastle, UK artist Sam Fender took the stage during 2020’s first official socially distant concert.
The photo has blown up over social media as fans and concert-goers are excited about this new alternative to live performances. The image of the concert shows that an estimated 2,500 guests are separated by parties of 5 or smaller into metal platforms, accompanied by folding chairs. This allows you, along with a few friends, to have a personal VIP-esque section. While bars and concessions are still open, guests must wear masks when they get up to grab food or drink and must also maintain social distancing by standing six feet apart from other guests.
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
Private viewing platforms allow listeners to get out of their house while staying safe and far apart from others. The concert was deemed a huge victory as this new adjustment gives concertgoers a safe place to enjoy live performances while still adhering to COVID-19 regulations. With Fender’s concert being such a success, the U.K. is hoping to start allowing more and more shows to open back up, beginning as soon as this September. That is of course if COVID-19 cases continue to be monitored and controlled.
So, get geared up for more socially distanced concerts to come your way.
