The Return of Live Shows: Will It Be The Same?
Photo by Oliver Rudloff
Concerts are coming back, which is amazing, but are we ready? Obviously people are excited to go to live shows, to hear new music in person instead of online, and to live in the moment, but will shows be the same?
Covid-19 has taken a toll on everyone and made everyone adjust to how they listen to and experience music. There have been multiple releases from artists that listeners haven’t been able to hear live; however, there have been alternative options. Not only can fans stream new music, but many artists have had livestreams to stay connected and to present their hard work for those who want to listen.
Here’s the thing: it’s not the same; no matter how much we want it to be. The good news? Shows are coming back. Not only are listeners excited, but so many artists are ready to share their hard-earned work on stage and miss being able to expose themselves in such a personal way.
After so many postponed and canceled shows/tours, we are seeing bands stick to their tour dates. More bands are also announcing tour dates and venues and are advertising like crazy because they have something to finally look forward to. Some states, including Florida and Texas, have started to allow festivals and some small shows.
Live shows have also started back up in other countries, such as Australia, and they look back to normal. Will the return of shows mean more to people now than ever before? Some people find peace and excitement at concerts and are happy to return. But what if people are still hesitant to come back to shows? With these two ends, will concerts be sold out or will they be lacking bodies?
Some bands have expressed how grateful they are to finally be able to get back on the road. They not only get to play live, but they once again get to connect with audiences. Australia’s In Hearts Wake explained how it felt surreal to be there and played two sold-out shows.
They took to social media saying, “487… the amount of days since we last played a show as a full band in front of a live audience.” The band released their recent album Kaliyuga during quarantine and posted, “Thank you Brisbane, waiting 2+ years was well worth it #kaliyuga” after the show. How surreal it must feel to have concerts as a safe space again.
Another artist, Machine Gun Kelly, also hosted a live show in 2021. MGK performed in Jacksonville, Florida, and posted shortly after on social media saying, “we’re back,” to mixed reactions in his comment section. This is a big deal for Machine Gun Kelly, being his first time performing since the release of his pop-punk album Tickets to My Downfall. In the video he posted, it looked as though he was having the time of his life.
Many more artists have posted on social media, keeping fans updated on dates and expressing how much they miss touring and can’t wait to get back. I’m sure some of them are a bit jealous that others are able to perform at the moment, but soon enough, all live shows will be back in action.
Will shows be the same though? Are fans ready to go back? Hopefully everyone will stay safe and even though it may not be normal, fans will be able to have a fun live show with their favorite artists. Bring on the live music!