Later this month, global entertainment company Live Nation and energy company Utilita will launch a drive-in concert series at 12 specially converted outdoor spaces around the UK, from Filton Airport in Bristol to The Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh. In the meantime, a new gig-going future is already taking shape. Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Ireland, Canada and New Zealand have all announced tens of millions in extra arts funding.ĭavyd is cautiously optimistic about a financial deal for the UK live sector because “it’s a world-beating industry and the level of investment is tiny compared to the gains”. It has been heavily criticised within the industry for offering neither a timescale nor extra funding. But what are the solutions? Last week, the Government published a five-stage road map to get theatres, concert halls and arts centres back in business. “It would be the biggest blow to British music ever.” “If nothing is done, we are talking about losing somewhere over 700 out of 800 trading music venues by October,” says Mark Davyd, co-owner of Tunbridge Wells Forum and CEO of the Music Venue Trust charity. The entire summer festival season has been lost, arenas and theatres are shuttered, and more than 90 per cent of small grassroots venues are in imminent danger of permanent closure. The live music sector in the UK is estimated to have had £900 million wiped off its value this year. Is this the future of gigs? Premium events, illegal raves and video streaming are among scenarios being contemplated by promoters, venues, festivals and artists desperate for a way out of the complete Covid-19 standstill. Back at home, Zoomers tune into a live webcast, share highlights on social media platforms and clock up “likes”, wondering why anyone would want to be there in the flesh. Meanwhile, down the dark end of the street, police gather to break up another squat rock show, following reports of an illegal mosh pit. You raise your voice to sing along and consider it well worth that £400 you blew on a pair of tickets. Dancers in face masks throw semaphore poses from personal circles on a demarcated dance floor. A barrier ensures no stray droplets from the singer reach the front rows as they launch into their viral hit, Social Distance Blues. The band are spread across an outsized stage, playing in-house instruments over the venue PA. Fluorescent arrows lead to a table where pre-ordered drinks await. You flash your biometric app for a visor-wearing doorman with an infrared thermometer.
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