Corona vs Music: The battle we weren't ready for.
It’s official, media drove us to question our ticket purchases.
But before you go on a concert/festival hiatus, let’s actually talk for a moment about this.
Let’s first go over what Coronavirus is
(if you haven’t already know it) straight from the CDC page:
A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.
There are many types of human coronaviruses including some that commonly cause mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses. COVID-19 is a new disease, caused by a novel (or new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans. The name of this disease was selected following the World Health Organization (WHO) best practice external icon for the naming of new human infectious diseases.
How has this impacted the Music Industry
With little under 120,000 cases spread across the world and so far confirmed 4,000 deaths (Source), It’s enough stats to make anyone a bit queazy or worse a trip to the store to over stockpile hand sanitizer (please don’t). So as a marketing standpoint, the chances of spreading disease such the COVID-19 can put a toll on their wallets and their minds for future events. To find out that their event/show could be what promotes the disease is enough to affect someone’s mindset. So when big events like Coachella /Stagecoach (just announced yesterday), Ultra festival in Miami and SXSW, they are doing it for a reason.
It isn't just the minds of events that have growing concerns. It's also the artist community that is starting to think over their plans of touring. Many artists are opting out of Europe/Asia tours in fear of this disease. Here are is the current list of Artists who will not be touring in Europe/Asia. More will be coming soon in the weeks to come.
Carlos Santana
BTS
Arvil Lavigne
Zac Brown Band
Kiss
Ozzy Osbourne
Justin Bieber
Poison
Madonna
Queen
Slipknot
Yungblud
Saint Motel
The National
Wolf Parade
Jimmy Eat World
Green Day
New Order
What should you consider before you commit to a gig?
First and foremost, basic hygiene is a must. Wash your hands. Website’s like washyourlyrics.com make it fun to keep in mind while your in the washroom (for example Canadian rock group Arkells posted their version on Instagram).
If you are feeling a bit sickish, stay home. You can always see that artist again, we are aware that it’s a total mom move to say but it’s true (just look at My Chemical Romance). Your health is always your number one concern. Not only will you be protecting yourself but your fellow music fans will thank you for your humble decision.
Please avoid wearing or buying surgical mask. They are not protective against up close events like concerts. If you wish to have a face mask, any fabric mask will do for the music moment. Don’t forget to wash your face after wearing any face mask for a long period of time.
If you have purchased a ticket for a festival, please consider getting a travel protection/insurance plan. Most of these plans will refund your festival tickets due to any situation this includes illness. Be sure to check it out, they do cost a bit along side your festival ticket but they are a lifesaver. Besides checking out of the travel plan, keep an eye out on their social media for any emergency updates.
What’s Next
That’s is where we don’t know. A vaccine is in the works but it will take some time. Keep an eye on the virus news but don’t focus to hard on it. There are more meaningful events happening right now in the world to be focus solely on this virus. Look onward to your favorite shows this year! It is still our year, it’s the roaring 20s! A little rain can’t stop the party.
