Dipping a toe back in the water: How to execute a COVID-safe live event

While it’s important to remember that we are still deep in the throws of a global pandemic, there is something resembling a glimmer at the end of the tunnel, enough that artists, venues, and fans alike are salivating for live events to return. 

While anything resembling a normal show remains a ways off, as of yet, live music is once again entering the realm of possibility. In the following piece we offer some pointers on how to ease back into live shows, and certain precautions that should be taken, whether you’re an artist or a venue operator.

Take it outside - With summer on its way back in, performing shows outside gets easier than ever. Rather than risk crowding people into a poorly ventilated club, set up your show outdoors. While an outdoor performance certainly has its own logistical hurdles, the overall level of safety the audience will feel makes it worth it.

Clean it up - If you do need to host a show or concert indoors, make the space as virus-free as possible. While the risk of surface contact has been proven to be minimal, investing in air purifiers and air treatment devices will go a long way towards mitigating the risk of transmission in your space.

Keep it small - While it certainly isn’t a good time for artists and venues to be operating at a loss, limiting crowd remains an important factor in keeping your performances low risk. Fortunately, audiences are so starved for live music, putting a premium price on tickets is much less risky than in pre-COVID times.

No frills - In the before times, audiences might have expected or even felt entitled to certain amenities when attending live shows, but things like coat checks, meet and greets, or even a bar, add layers of risk and complexity to your live event and, at least for the moment, are better avoided.

Shop local - Given the daily uncertainties and fluctuations in what’s considered to be safe, sinking a ton of money into a high-profile band or artist’s guarantee can be risky. Given how clear most artist’s calendars are, you should have plenty of options as to who you hire. For more flexibility, however, you might be better off going with a smaller local group, who might be more likely to adapt to unexpected, last-minute changes.

Ultimately, there is unlikely to be any hard date at which a live music event will feel completely ‘normal’ again, but by taking precautions and being willing to compromise, it’s possible for live music to slowly begin making a comeback, particularly as more and more shots get into more and more arms.

Dipping a toe back in the water: How to execute a COVID-safe live event