Here’s how Ireland plans to bring back live music and festivals this year

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, tours and shows worldwide have been canceled and postponed. At this time, it is unknown when concerts and music festivals will return worldwide. While shows may not come back for a while, countries such as Ireland are already planning ways to reintroduce live music into society post-coronavirus.

In a statement released by the Irish government on May 1, Ireland is including the return of live music into their exit lockdown measures. If all goes according to plan, the country could see the return of live music as early as this summer.

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In the past few months, a number of music festivals have been canceled including 2000trees, Glastonbury, Bunbury, Inkcarceration, and Welcome to Rockville. Tours such as the Hella Mega tour with Green Day, Weezer and Fall Out Boy, Hayley Williamsheadlining tour and Bad Religion and Alkaline Trio‘s tour have all faced cancelations and rescheduling due to coronavirus. With frequent news about tours and festivals being canceled and postponed, many are unsure of when live music will return.

For Ireland, they are hoping that the return of shows and festivals will happen sooner rather than later. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Ireland’s Minister for Defence, revealed that the return of live music is part of phase five in Ireland’s coronavirus exit lockdown measures.

On August 10, phase five will be introduced which includes allowing larger social gatherings. However, there are some guidelines Irish citizens will have to follow.

The exit plans stress that festivals and live music can only take place if “in accordance with both indoor and outdoor number restrictions and where social distancing can be complied with.”

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So, if live music were to return to Ireland, heavy social distancing requirements would be put into place. This is to help maintain the health and safety of citizens as they continue to phase out of coronavirus lockdown. If phase five were to go according to plan, Ireland’s Electric Picnic Festival could continue on as scheduled for September 4 – September 6. Headliners for the arts and music festival include Rage Against The Machine, Snow Patrol, Lewis Capaldi and Run The Jewels.

Alongside Ireland, Missouri is also trying to bring back live music quickly. On April 27, Missouri’s Department of Health and Senior Services announced its plans to re-open public spaces post-coronavirus. The plan allows for retail stores to re-open at limited capacities and for restaurants to re-establish dine-in service. It also allows residents to attend large events, including concerts, but there will be social distancing requirements.

Last month, Spain also shared its plans to reincorporate live music into the country. Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez shared the four phases the country plans to take in the next coming months. If plans go as expected, by June 8, nightclubs and bars could reopen to a third of capacity. As well, indoor events can have up to 80 people. Around that time, outdoor events could allow up to 800 people with social distancing in place.

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Despite the phases put into place to help bring back large entertainment events, Americans are hesitant. A recent poll from Reuters and Ipsos showed the majority of Americans are not willing to attend concerts or other large events until a vaccine is widely available.

For now, many are continuing to get their live music fix online. Artists such as Death Cab For Cutie, the Maine, Dashboard Confessional, YUNGBLUD and Post Malone are turning to livestreaming as a way to keep concert goers entertained during this global pandemic.

Some are even announcing virtual festivals and events for music fans to be a part of. Last week, Fearless Records announced an interactive livestreaming event that will feature acoustic performances, signing announcements and more. The livestream is taking place on May 9 starting at 12 PM PT, 3 PM ET or 8 PM in the UK. As far as the bands participating, fans will have to tune in to find out.

What do you think of Ireland’s plans for social distancing live music events? Let us know in the comments below!

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