Ireland is still getting to grips with re-opening pubs and venues, and figuring out how the live music and entertainment industry can find its way back from the pandemic.
While some smaller venues, like Whelan's and Dundalk's Spirit Store, have put plans in place for socially-distanced seated gigs with limited capacities over the next few weeks, but it's hard to imagine a large-scale gig or festival taking place in Ireland - particularly since the Live at the Drive-In gigs were recently cancelled because of the changing guidelines.
However, other countries are ploughing ahead with a return to live music in some form - including the UK, where the first socially-distanced gig took place last night in Newcastle.
Musician Sam Fender played to 2,500 people - who were grouped into 500 mini viewing platforms that had a capacity of 5 people max. - at Gosforth Park in Newcastle. People were encouraged to stay on their platforms unless they had to go to the toilet (more portaloos were added) and could pre-order food and drinks.
Other gigs set to take place at the same venue in the coming weeks include Maximo Park, The Libertines and Van Morrison.
What do you think - could it happen in Ireland? Would you attend a gig like this, or does atmosphere count for a lot?
Here's what it looked like...
Open-air, socially-distanced Sam Fender gig in Newcastle. I actually don’t think this looks *that* bad as it goes pic.twitter.com/BXvcRJdGS6
— Wayne (@MrWayneyB) August 11, 2020
UK's first socially distanced gig with fans sitting in pens to watch Sam Fender: Musician Sam Fender took to the stage at Gosforth Park in Newcastle on Tuesday evening where fans watched on from socially distanced pens https://t.co/HJhAZ8PffE pic.twitter.com/szGKEclZgr
— RushReads (@RushReads) August 11, 2020
The future of outdoor gigs 😐 picture from a gig in Newcastle tonight pic.twitter.com/TM1WZExhXY
— ♫ Jenny ♫ (@_Jenny_x) August 11, 2020
Sam performing that sound 🙌
©officialzacksmith on ig pic.twitter.com/ofrXtTRIBP— Sam Fender Updates (@FenderUpdates) August 11, 2020
First socially distanced gig in the UK tonight! Sam Fender did the Geordies proud 😍 pic.twitter.com/siXyZIc0rt
— it me (@dodger_bear) August 11, 2020
First gig since before lockdown, watching Sam Fender from our own liitle viewing platform. Thank you for making it happen @VMUnityArena 😁 pic.twitter.com/sgCz43TCHg
— Robin Parker (@robin_parker) August 11, 2020