It wouldn't be a hyperbole I to state that the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way we function. Virtual classrooms were no longer a distant future nor was working from home a wistful dream we assumed would not fit within the corporate structures of the world. Regardless of the setback of the pandemic and the subsequent lockdown imposed on several sectors, no industry was as severely hit by the repercussions as the live entertainment industry.
According to World Economic Forum, the revenue generated from live performance was the "biggest casualty." To put things into perspective, a six-month halt was estimated to cost the industry over $10 billion in sponsorships. The music industry, especially K-pop, was quick to respond through a series of interactive live concerts that fans could enjoy from the safety and comfort of their homes. This experience didn't guarantee the adrenaline rush a live, in-person show would offer, but it kept the fans, music and artists connected to one another.
Today, nearly two years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the live industry is back on its feet. Major music festivals such as Coachella, Head in the Clouds, as well as live performances by artists such as Olivia Rodrigo, Harry Styles, BTS, TWICE, NCT 127 are back in full force. In fact, for some artists such as BTS, the in-person performance in Las Vegas was marked by a week-long extravaganza, where Vegas was painted purple and the city hosted several BTS-themed events, including their four-day sold-out stadium show. With the economy slowly opening up and fans looking forward to catching their favorite artist on tour in person, where does that put live concerts? Does the live entertainment industry still have a spot for its saving grace that supported the industry through the turmoil period of 20202021?
This story is from the July 2022 edition of RollingStone India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 2022 edition of RollingStone India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
anumitanadesan
The singer-songwriter talks about her first Malayalam film song, her upcoming debut abum and working across genres and languages
amrit ramneath
Understanding the interplay between abiding by tradition and progress is no new feat for this 25-year-old composer
yashraj
With chart-topping collaborations with seasoned veterans, this rapper has consistently been in the conversations of industry observers
dǝbzee
The 'Malabari Banger' hitmaker shares exclusive insights on his upcoming projects, life, and his vision for the future of music in India
taba chake
The Arunachal Pradesh-based singer-song-writer discusses how his latest song \"Kahani\" reflects the power of love songs.
ranj x clifr
The Bengaluru singer-composer and producer duo may not be done with hip-hop, but they are venturing into pop, R&B and Tamil songs next
RESHAPING THE FUTURE OF MUSIC
How digital collectibles, especially for live events, have a tremendous potential
Evnne On 'Un: Seen,' Their 'Seen,' And 'Unseen' Sides
The Band Discusses How A Setback Early In Their Career Spurred Them On And How They Fused Those Experiences With Their Sound In Their Second Mini Album, ‘Un: Seen
kayan
Between fandoms and aesthetic-setting live shows, artist Ambika Nayak talks about wanting to put out an album
anoushka maskey
Taking her “self-organized” Sunny Side Tour across the country, the Sikkim-origin artist is prioritizing consistent releases and exploring bossa nova next