Podcasts

5000 People, Face Masks And Tests: Live Music In 2021

It might seem like a distant memory but there was once a time when people from near and far would gather under one roof to watch a performance. No social distancing, no need for face masks, no worries about testing. While we are a little bit away from returning to that normality, massive efforts are underway across Europe to try and find the way of balancing the risks of the pandemic with supporting the entertainment industry. There was a recent two day festival in the Netherlands and Barcelona have just held their first live music event since the pandemic began with 5000 people attending a set by popular band Love of Lesbian at the Saint Jordi Arena. It wasn't simple, it required same day testing and strict rules around mask wearing. Ventura Barba is one of the organisers behind the gig and he spoke to Dermot and Dave about the event, the response to it and if it is the future of live music. You can catch the chat in full by clicking play below [audio mp3="https://media.radiocms.net/uploads/2021/04/09103350/VenturaBarba_0904.mp3"][/audio] see more