social distancing

Virgin Money Unity Arena, which billed itself as the UK’s first “dedicated socially distanced music venue,” held its first show on Tuesday night, with 2500 attendees separated into 500 individually barricaded viewing areas.

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is expected to draw 250,000 people over 10 days, and the musical lineup still has Buckcherry, Lit, Night Ranger, Molly Hatchet, Drowning Pool, Quiet Riot, and The Reverend Horton Heat also featured.

”With video footage clearly showing social distancing and safety precautions ignored, the recent ’Safe & Sound’ Chainsmokers charity concert in Southampton mocks New Yorkers’ months-long work to flatten the curve and contain the virus,” Howard A Zucker writes.

The shows will follow strict COVID-19 safety guidelines, including contactless ticketing, and they’re asking that the audience wear masks at all times unless eating or drinking.

A series of shows like this trial show for the return of indoor live music to the UK would ”bankrupt everyone involved,” Frank Turner said.

”I never apologized. And never will,” Mitch writes, responding to criticism over a show Great White played without social distancing earlier this month.

”Videos from a concert held in Southampton on Saturday show egregious social distancing violations. I am appalled,” wrote NY governor Andrew Cuomo on Twitter. ”The Department of Health will conduct an investigation. We have no tolerance for the illegal & reckless endangerment of public health.”

Goldman Sachs CEO David Soloman opened the night with an hour-long DJ set, for that extra Hamptons touch.

”We are asking that patrons be responsible regarding their level of risk to themselves and others,” Lockn’ writes in their new safety guide.

”We understand that there are some people who are upset that we performed this show, during this trying time,” Great White write. ”We assure you that we worked with the Promoter. North Dakota’s government recommends masks be worn, however, we are not in a position to enforce the laws.”