More than 40 per cent of polled self-identified 'live music lovers' say it would be at least six months after attendance restrictions were eased before they would feel comfortable attending large-venue shows and festivals
One option for actual in-the-flesh shows is the drive-in concert, with fans self-isolated in their automobiles.On Feb. 27, the concert-promoting colossus Live Nation Entertainment announced its 2019 earnings and a rosy outlook for 2020. Revenue for the year was up 7 per cent on operating income that jumped 19 per cent to US$325-million. Attendance was up five million to 98 million globally.
“I can’t guess,” says Joey Scoleri, Live Nation Canada’s head of industry relations, when asked whether the concert experience will be different when things open up again. “It’s a wait and see. It’s up to what the various levels of government dictate, in terms of gathering in public spaces.” Rapino, who has temporarily sacrificed his US$3-million salary, also hailed the “great broadcast opportunities” of fan-less concerts. The shows, performed at empty venues or in remote locations, would be streamed online and/or broadcast on television. Sponsorship dollars would generate revenue in lieu of ticket sales.Budweiser Stage At Home. Pretaped episodes involve interviews and fan-free performances.
While Rapino forecasts sunshine in live music’s future as far as consumer demand – “It’ll be back as big as ever” – Live Nation is taking steps to lessen its financial exposure. In a memo obtained by Rolling Stone last month, the company cited a“ shift in market demand” and the “overall increase of uncertainty that materially affects our mission” as the reason for new policies that, in 2021, would cut pay to artists and shift the financial burdens of festivals to performers.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
‘God Pod’ helps churchgoers to connect despite dangers of COVID-19It allows people living in different social bubbles to meet in proximity by sitting on either side of a glass wall, without risking the spread of the coronavirus
Read more »
Michael B. Jordan wants you to view a drive-in movie, on himMichael B. Jordan has channeled the urgency for change -- and healing -- into 'A Night at the Drive-In.' The goal is to celebrate 'multi-cultural and diverse voices in cinema, in hopes of ultimately bringing together communities.'
Read more »
Greater Toronto Airport Authority cutting 500 jobs at Pearson due to reduced air travelThe operator of Canada's largest airport is cutting the size of its workforce by 27 per cent due to a reduction of traffic at Toronto's Pearson Airport.
Read more »