Live Nation to launch socially distanced concerts at Auckland's The Tuning Fork

Live Nation has announced that it is to commence the staging of a series of small weekly socially distanced events in New Zealand.

Coinciding with the easing on the country's Coronavirus lockdown laws, the series, titled Together Again, will start from 29th May at The Tuning Fork in Auckland. the events will feature a rotating line-up of local musicians, comedians and performers.

Live Nation and the 375-capacity venue are taking a number of precautions, in accordance with public health and safety advice, which includes measures such as temperature screening, contact tracing, changes to conditions of entry and processing times entering the venue.

The venue will be operating at a reduced 100-person capacity, and staff will be wearing essential Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as masks and gloves.

Drinks and snacks will be available via table service exclusively with in-seat ordering via mobile/handheld devices.

Introducing the events, Live Nation New Zealand Chairman, Stuart Clumpas stated “Live Nation NZ is excited to be welcoming back live events in New Zealand. The Together Again series is an opportunity for us to unite and celebrate the power of live with some of the country’s first socially distanced shows.

“The safety of our artists, audience, and staff is always a major focus at Live Nation events and venues, and especially so at this time.

“Our staff have been working extremely hard to get the doors open again and we aim to deliver not only a great live experience but also one that adheres to all the extra health and safety precautions and measures that line up with the government advice for events at (Alert) Level 2.”

In the USA, Live Nation has furloughed 20% of its employees as part of the company’s cost-cutting measures amid close down of live events.

The Hollywood Reporter this week reported a company source as advising that those furloughed include employees who worked in media and sponsorships, as well as people who work on the concerts and venues teams.

According to Billboard, 2,100 of the company’s 10,500 employees have been affected by the decision.

Image courtesy of The Tuning Fork.