What the Vaccine Could Mean for the Future of Live Shows

​Written by Zach Fulcher
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It seems like we’ve been on lock down for forever! But the vaccine is making many people optimistic that we are in the final stretch. This brings up the question of what the vaccine means for indoor and outdoor concerts in the summer of 2021 and beyond. 

At first, it seems too good to be true that the possibility of in-person live shows and concerts exists. This idea seemed impossible just a few months ago before people regularly started getting the vaccine. But there’s hope! In fact, for those who don’t know, the CDC recently made a big announcement this week stating that “If you are fully vaccinated - and if you are outdoors and not in a large crowd - you no longer need to wear a mask.” Joe Biden said earlier this week that he expects the U.S. to have enough vaccines for adults by the end of May. Live Nation also said in a call earlier this week that it thinks it can begin planning outdoor shows for midsummer. 

Chicago has recently rolled out a reopening plan for parks, venues, and restaurants, so I believe that we will start to see more and more announcements and dates pop up for summer festivals and concerts. This is amazing news for promoters and venues that have suffered greatly from the pandemic. 

It will be interesting to see what artists announce tours first, how long it will be before we don’t have to social distance at concerts, and how many people will feel comfortable coming back to large crowds. Due to the massive impact that virtual live shows has had during the pandemic, it’s safe to say that there will still be a component of that even with the reemergence of physical events. I also believe that the shows in limited capacity and drive-in shows will start to dwindle once the in-person events start popping up, but only time will tell. 

Regardless of what happens, keep striving everybody! We’re getting closer to the end of the pandemic andyour creativeness will be needed as the world continues to open up. From all of us at 6D, stay safe and stay hopeful.