There's bad news for music fans who were looking forward to a return to live music of some sort later this month.
The Live at the Drive-In gigs, which were due to begin later this week at various locations around Ireland, have now been cancelled.
Organisers cited 'government guidelines' as the reason for the plug being pulled on the events, which were set to feature bands and artists like Gavin James, Hermitage Green and Aslan playing drive-in gigs at Cork Showgrounds, Limerick's Greenpark Site Tramore Racecourse in Waterford and Kilkenny's Gowran Racecourse over the coming weeks.
Similar gigs in the UK and US have also been cancelled this week.
"Unfortunately, we have been advised that all Live at The Drive-In shows can no longer proceed due to government guidelines," the press release read. "We have looked at all options and have sought out support and advice from several Government offices and officials, unfortunately with continuing changes with COVID procedures we can not confirm any alternate dates.
"After months of work and planning to try to bring some live music back to Ireland this summer we are all devastated. Full refunds are available at your point of purchase.
"We are very disappointed with this decision, the live music, arts and events sector is on its knees, we would appeal to the government to support this sector and all of its workers and suppliers."
Gavin James took to social media to express his own disappointment.
Drive in shows x pic.twitter.com/VSkKOeli8R
— Gavin James (@gavinjames) July 21, 2020
He wasn't alone, either - many people have been wondering how various aspects of society have reopened that entail people in closer proximity to a drive-in gig.
It's been hard not to panic about the future of the live music scene & stay positive & focused & ambitious.
We would all feel a lot better with some more leadership, decisiveness, transparency.
Why am I allowed walk in to a pub tonight but not sit in a car & watch a gig? https://t.co/HjqIdqcDbO— May Kay (@MayKay316) July 21, 2020
Bullshit decision . Sorry Gav, that you and your crew and those who are putting show together have to deal with such nonsense.
— Niall Breslin (@nbrez) July 21, 2020
Gutted to hear this! Especially so close to time of gig after I am sure you and your team have put in so much hard work. Don’t understand it to be honest especially when drive in cinemas .. bingo etc is going ahead ?
— Louise (@louize25) July 21, 2020
Who is making that kind of decision on behalf of government?-it makes no sense. Don’t give up - get advice, lobby, -whatever it takes! Organised safe events are what’s needed otherwise it’s goes underground,unsupervised and unsafe.
— nw19 (@nw19) July 21, 2020
