Live Nation Will Hold Social Distancing Stage Performance In New Zealand

JAKARTA - Live Nation announced that it will test two social distancing concerts in New Zealand next week.

The show, which the stage entertainment company has dubbed the Together Again series, kicks off next Friday, May 29 in Auckland at The Tuning Fork. This event will be the first stage event since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Together Again series will feature shows from some of New Zealand's most beloved performers. Next Friday's line-up consists of comedians Urzila Carlson, Ray O'Leary, Ruby Esther and Nick Rado. Soul singer Hollie Smith will take to the stage the following evening.

Attendance for each event is limited to 100 viewers. In an effort to prevent the spread of the disease, staff will wear masks and gloves throughout the process. Additionally, each audience will undergo a body temperature test and contact tracing upon entering the venue.

Stuart Clumpas, chairman of Live Nation New Zealand, said he was happy to welcome back the stage event in New Zealand.

"The safety of our artists, audiences and staff has always been the main focus at Live Nation events and venues, and especially at this time," said Clumpas as quoted by NME, Tuesday, May 19.

“Our staff have worked very hard to re-open the door and we aim to provide not only a great life experience but one that complies with all the extra health and safety precautions in line with government advice for tier two events.

"We thank everyone in advance for working to follow the new rules and guidelines that will apply to these developing times."

Earlier this month, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said their country would relax the lockdown to a "Level 2 Warning", which will allow restaurants and cafes to serve customers on the premises again, with a maximum of 10 people at the table. In addition, domestic flights will continue.

Last week, Billboard reported that Live Nation was laying off 20 percent of its workforce as part of a $ 600 million cost-cutting package. According to the report, 2,100 of the company's 10,500 employees were affected by the decision, which comes as the stage entertainment sector around the world is experiencing financial difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Live Nation also plans to continue with 'full-scale concerts' in 2021, according to president and CEO Michael Rapino.

"We think in the fall, if there is no second hotspot, you will see markets around the world [reopening] ... And then our goal is to actually sell in the third and fourth quarters for 2021 at full scale," he said.