In the countries across the globe that have imposed lockdowns, public gatherings such as concerts, conferences, and nightclubs were banned. The pandemic made it impossible for any sort of music festival to return in 2020 and 2021.

As a result, during the lockdown many people made the decision to stay inside and watch live performances of opera, rock, pop, and theater from the safety and comfort of home instead of going out. Though when the lockdowns are lifted, will people return to attending activities that take place in person? 

This year, the music industry has used Coachella as a testing ground to try and gauge the direction of the million-dollar industry in the future. After coming back gradually last year, live concerts are currently making a strong comeback in the United States.

Artists are eager to make up for lost time. Although the pandemic is not yet gone, it looks that vaccination has prompted concert-goers to resume their attendance. So far, the live music industry has ground reasons to be optimistic.

People Miss Live Entertainment and Concerts

Research done by Jacobsmedia.com reveals that out of 21,000 people they surveyed, 46% of them miss spending time at concerts and watching live entertainment. It’s apparent then that, no matter where in the world, there’s a persisting demand for concerts, which is why many artists like Billie Eilish, Charli XCX, and Harry Styles are launching tours.

Without a doubt, concert promoters, musicians, and every other participant in the touring ecosystem are geared up and ready to go. After a period of inactivity lasting two years, the majority of musicians have a significant amount of touring ground to make up, not to mention a large number of mouths to feed. Concerts and other events are being overbooked in several cities around the country.

Live-streaming/Hybrid Concerts

Prior to the easing COVID-19 protocols, artists have turned to live-streaming as a way to connect with fans. A study conducted by researchers at Middlesex University in London, financed by the Economic and Social Research Council, found that audiences and artists both like live-streaming events.

Before the pandemic, artists like Dua Lipa would have never broadcasted a complete performance via live-streaming. Her performance that was streamed live in December 2020 set new attendance records, with five million people listening in from their homes in different parts of the world.

According to the findings of the Live Streaming Music project, ninety percent of musicians and ninety-two percent of fans felt that live streaming will be an effective approach to reach audiences that are unable or are unwilling to attend venues. More than two thirds of respondents said that live streaming would continue to be “an important part” of the music landscape.

Hand in hand, live-streaming or holding hybrid concerts will be a sure way to let music lovers enjoy performances safely as the world eases through the end of the pandemic. In spite of the growing excitement for physical concerts, there’s no denying that live-streaming will be here to stay.

COVID-proofing Venues

On the other hand, for fans who want to return to venues, research is being conducted to attempt to establish safe methods to do so.

Backed by The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, Loughborough University is leading an investigation on how venues should be redesigned to reduce the danger of COVID-19 transmission, notably with reference to ventilation. Researchers are already analyzing data from a Liverpool nightclub event and the  Sheffield World Snooker Championship. The study is also conducting tests at the Wembley Stadium and the O2 Arena.

The data collected by the team will be used to develop a Relative Exposure Index. This will include guidance and assistance on what ventilation methods may be used to reduce the risk of transmission and exposure.

Professor Malcolm Cook from Loughborough University states that the findings might be used in all non-domestic situations, including healthcare, education, and retail.

The Future of Live Concerts

While the pandemic has put the world on hold, the music industry has been placed at a temporary standstill with little options to generate as much standing as it used to have, with only online ventures at hand to utilize. But they still continue to strive. Although it’s with taking baby steps, normalcy akin to pre-pandemic times is well-within reach of the live entertainment industry. Be it online or physical, people all over the world will welcome the return of concerts with open arms.