Live Nation announces New Zealand’s first socially-distant concert series

New Zealand is hoping life can start resuming back to normal over the next few weeks. After 46 days in lockdown, New Zealand’s prime minister announced that the country has “won the battle” against coronavirus. In response to virtually eliminating the virus in the country, New Zealand allowed most businesses to open back up this week. Now, New Zealand is bringing back live entertainment with Live Nation‘s “Together Again” concert series.

This week, Live Nation announced its plans to trial two social distancing concerts in New Zealand at the end of May.

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Currently, many cities and countries are trying to revive their live entertainment industries. This week, Arkansas had its first socially-distant concert after almost being shut down for not following the state’s safety regulations. In response, the concert altered its health and safety plans and the show occurred on May 18.

Arkansas’ socially-distant concert is one of the first to happen in the United States. Along with socially-distant shows, companies such as Live Nation are planning to try other alternatives to live events. Recently, Live Nation announced its plans to trial drive-in gigs and fanless broadcasts.

However, New Zealand is already trying to phase live events back into society. On May 29 and 30, the country plans to host two Live Nation events in Auckland. Called the “Together Again” concert series, the shows are the first to happen in New Zealand since the coronavirus pandemic began.

The “Together Again” series features a handful of performances from popular New Zealand acts. On May 29, comedians Urzila Carlson, Ray O’Leary, Ruby Esther and Nick Rado will perform. As well, soul singer Hollie Smith is scheduled to perform on May 30.

Taking place at the venue Tuning Fork, each event will be capped at 100 audience members. Staff will wear masks and gloves during the events. As well, the temperatures of all audience members will be tested and contact tracing will happen.

Following the two scheduled shows on May 29 and May 30, Live Nation plan to make the “Together Again” series a weekly occurrence. Each event will continue to have small and socially-distant audiences and will include popular New Zealand artists and comedians.

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For Stuart Clumpas, the chairman of Live Nation New Zealand, he is “excited to be welcoming back live events” in the country.

“Our staff have been working extremely hard to get the doors open again,” Clumpas says. “We aim to deliver not only a great live experience but also one that adheres to all the extra health and safety precautions and measures that line up with the government advice for events at level two.”

Tickets for the “Together Again” concert series go on sale May 20.

What do you think of New Zealand’s first socially-distant shows? Let us know in the comments below!

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