Return of Live Music – The Edition GA

Due to many people receiving COVID-19 vaccination, life has slowly been returning back to normal, starting with the return of live music.

As many people have been vaccinated for COVID-19, they have begun to feel more comfortable going out in public, returning to a more normal life. One thing that has brought back the enjoyment of pre-covid days is the return of live music.

Live music is a great way to have fun and share a compelling experience with others who enjoy the same type of music. Due to COVID-19, live concerts were put on hold in an attempt to ensure public health, and performances were moved to a virtual platform. However, watching concerts online did not offer the same thrilling experience as live concerts once did. This aspect of social life was missed by many. The industry has integrated safety standards for attendance such as vaccination verifications or a negative COVID-19 test result. This is the best way to allow live concerts, while still keeping public safety in mind.

The absence of live music and festivals has also been an economic setback for the entertainment industry. The live music industry is in desperate need of money due to stay-at-home mandates, and artists and their teams are rapidly preparing to tour once again. Because of the economic crisis the music industry has experienced, the industry is pushing to have as many shows as they can, while working to maintain a safe, COVID-free environment.

The Live Nation entertainment company had announced in the summer that people could buy twenty dollar tickets and attend outdoor concerts at their numerous amphitheaters. By promoting these cheap tickets for families and friends to enjoy outdoor performances, Live Nation wanted to welcome the return of live music as openly and enthusiastically as possible. Some performances included the Jonas Brothers and Zac Brown Band, who both agreed that they were excited to “get back out on the road” and share new music with their fans after a difficult year.

Some concerts that recently occurred around Philadelphia were Harry Styles and Dan + Shay. GA student, Logan Shallow ‘23, shares some thoughts about her experience at the Harry Styles concert in September. She explains that COVID-19 protocols were strictly enforced. She says, “You had to show proof of vaccination or have tested negative within 72 hours.” However, “It was up to you to maintain social distance and proper mask rules.” Logan was very excited about the return of live music, stating that “Live music is an incredibly meaningful way to support art and connect with those around you.” However, she says that she was “slightly confused and a little concerned” that once inside the venue, people did not seem to be socially distant, especially in the pit.

Moreover, GA student, Serena Bagga ‘23, informs us about her experience at the Dan + Shay concert in September. Serena says that “[she] was comfortable going to the live concert” but was “nervous as this was one of the first in-person” concerts she attended “since the pandemic started.” She says that everyone was “required to wear a mask,” but other than that, she didn’t feel a difference from when she went to pre-pandemic concerts. Serena strongly believes that “nothing beats really feeling and vibing to the music in person” and “just being able to sing along with other fans.” She says that “being at the concert arena is a feeling that can’t be replicated virtually or in any other way.”

The return of live music is a large step towards returning to normalcy following the pandemic. Notwithstanding, everyone should still follow COVID-19 precautions to ensure everyone’s safety and further allow the reopening of the nation and world. If we are cautious, we can return to a more normal life in the future and enjoy all the public experiences we miss. Live music is a great way to connect with family and friends and to experience great music. Although new variants of the COVID-19 virus, such as the Delta variant, are threatening the return of live music, hopefully the music industry and its supporters can continue to find a new way to return to normalcy.

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