ENTERTAINMENT AND THE NEW NORMAL WAY OF LIFE

As the pandemic wages, we see and hear more and more about the “new normal” way of life. Keeping social distance, wearing face masks, ordering take out instead of dining in and avoiding social gatherings like birthday parties are now considered normal because of Covid-19.

The pandemic has taken a lot of simple joys and pleasures from life, and one of the greatest joys taken from us are live concerts. We can no longer pile up at a venue while our favorite artists rocks the stage. We have to settle for livestreams at home instead, which, honestly, are nowhere near the same excitement of being at an actual concert.

Our cries of despair have been heard, however, and a new venue in the UK is experimenting with a socially-distanced concert that allows fans into the venue but with heavy restrictions.

The pop-up Virgin Money Unity Arena in Tyne, England gathered about 2,500 guests for an outdoor concert that featured 500 raised metal platforms for viewing, according to a CNN article. The platforms are distanced and hold no more than five people. Cars are also being parked with social distance measures and guests are escorted to their viewing platforms upon arrival.

This trial run resulted in two sold-out shows in Gosforth Park where the venue was set up. This is a clear indication that people are not fulfilled with livestream concerts at home and are in dire need of live entertainment.

For the U.S. to reach this point, however, we must consider the state of the pandemic. The UK significantly lowered their Covid-19 cases in the last months, whereas the U.S. has yet to harness the virus. In order to see this sliver of change, we must adhere to the “new normal” way of life if there is to be any hope for live entertainment.