The ChemBase

Forum => Live => Topic started by: Bosco on Jan 20, 2021, 08:16

Title: Live Shows in post-pandemic lockdown and potential expectations
Post by: Bosco on Jan 20, 2021, 08:16
I see there is already some dates scheduled for 2021 and I have no clue if they are still gonna go forward with them.

Assuming artists get the green light to resume touring some time this year or the next, are we going to expect a typical Chemical Brothers tour? Is it possible that we see a sudden increase of touring from Tom and Ed to fill to make up for lost revenue? Do they even want to tour anymore under the current circumstances?

I don't know how the live music industry works, but if I'm reading it right I have to imagine competition will be pretty stiff once things get going again. Venues are closing, festivals are folding, and a bunch of hungry artist waiting to get back to work... passing on a potential gig could be costly, for some.

Honestly, can't figure out if it's a buyers market for venues/festivals, or sellers market for artists.

tl;dr

Does the fallout of pandemic, put them back in "grind" mode, or is it business as usual?
Title: Re: Live Shows in post-pandemic lockdown and potential expectations
Post by: Bosco on Jan 20, 2021, 20:05
some other things to consider:

Does their live show get scaled down as a cost cutting measure?

Maybe the future of "live" shows is in the hands of Adam (Smith). Rather than actual touring, what about another multi-media project in the works that conveys a live experience?

The Sims: 'Don't Think' Edition?
Title: Re: Live Shows in post-pandemic lockdown and potential expectations
Post by: WhiteNoise on Jan 21, 2021, 01:42
A problem with many venues is that they were in danger to begin with, even before coronavirus. The real estate that venues take up can usually be used for housing and retail more profitably, and regrettably profits are what's number one. So without bailouts, we're going to see a lot of historic venues never open again. And this is gonna mean less places to play for an absolute logjam of artists looking to tour a years worth of records.

And the vibe of a concert is going to be weird this year. Fauci covered this recently, even this upcoming summer it's expected that masks and proper ventilation are going to be a necessity at live events, it will not feel the same until COVID has for the most part passed on.

I don't see the Chems scaling back the production because of the sunk cost of equipment. They're gonna keep touring with everything and keep it big. The alternative is leaving all the lasers, big screens, and George + Mildred in a storage closet (or selling it, which would also be a little bit of a waste - anyone want a pair of giant robots? slightly used!)

Personally I think a scaled down tour with less reliance on massive production values has a lot of creative opportunity for more unpredictable live sets. It genuinely always sounds amazing when they're forced to improvise heavily in a live set. But I've been saying that since like 2015 and there's no indication they'll do that, Tom and Ed are perfectionists more than they are improvisers and I'm sure they'd disagree with me loving their improv. So I'll be looking forward to the next big room set with a nice "Dig Your Own Hole / Hoops / GUOILT" style wink to the hardcore fans somewhere in it.

Still waiting on that online "Another World" project they've hinted at!!
Title: Re: Live Shows in post-pandemic lockdown and potential expectations
Post by: Bosco on Jan 21, 2021, 07:11
thanks for a response, Whitenoise.

Quote from: WhiteNoise on Jan 21, 2021, 01:42

Still waiting on that online "Another World" project they've hinted at!!

I don't seem to remember this being mentioned. Is there a link or quote you can provide?



Title: Re: Live Shows in post-pandemic lockdown and potential expectations
Post by: hstn on Jan 21, 2021, 07:32
Quote from: Bosco on Jan 21, 2021, 07:11

thanks for a response, Whitenoise.

I don't seem to remember this being mentioned. Is there a link or quote you can provide?

I posted a thread on it back in September! Under the assumption we would've gotten news on it sooner lol

Quote from: hstn on Sep 18, 2020, 20:27

A new interview came out on F-Word mag interviewing Adam and Marcus about the live show and exhibition, it's all really interesting, but Adam seems to have announced something in it:

https://www.fwordmag.com/single-post/NEWS-IN-CONVERSATION-WITH-SMITH-LYALL

Quote
B.C: Please can you start a festival?

A.S: I would love to. Oddly I was thinking about that the other day. We are working on a very exciting project called Another World with The Chemical Brothers which is a creative dream come true. Details to follow soon. 

There was a post smithandlyall made too with the hashtag #anotherworld and an image of a costume that was left out of Keep On that seems to hint it may relate to an at home visual show
Title: Re: Live Shows in post-pandemic lockdown and potential expectations
Post by: androidgeoff on Jan 21, 2021, 17:38
it was that lego glastonbury video, it already came out
Title: Re: Live Shows in post-pandemic lockdown and potential expectations
Post by: Bosco on Jan 21, 2021, 19:47
Quote from: hstn on Jan 21, 2021, 07:32

I posted a thread on it back in September! Under the assumption we would've gotten news on it sooner lol

There was a post smithandlyall made too with the hashtag #anotherworld and an image of a costume that was left out of Keep On that seems to hint it may relate to an at home visual show

Appreciate it! This and the museum exhibit stuff kinda has flown over my head.

That is great news.
Title: Re: Live Shows in post-pandemic lockdown and potential expectations
Post by: Stefan on Jan 22, 2021, 22:33
Even though  there are shows announced, I don't see any happening in 2021, sorry. Maybe, maybe very late in the year, if vaccination programs are fast and successful.

For future shows, I don't think venues of the size the Chems are likely to play (5000+ people, given the recent tour maybe even 10.000ish) are in that much danger of closing down permanently.

I also don't expect much changes in production size and style for their shows. When gigs are possible again, T&E will probably start with a few DJ gigs (testing out new stuff produced during lockdowns?) and then a full scale tour to promote a new album for 2022 or 2023. Pretty sure they won't continue with the NG tour.
Title: Re: Live Shows in post-pandemic lockdown and potential expectations
Post by: Bosco on Jan 28, 2021, 08:36
Ed just tweeted this podcast about the upcoming problems regarding British musicians touring the EU:

https://twitter.com/eddychemical/status/1354689366971527169

Not saying this reflects Tom and Ed situation directly, but doesn't sound good.

Tom and Ed probably can absorb the blow of the new restrictions since they are more established than the average artist, but still cuts into their bottom line. Maybe a big time commercial sponsor is necessary to help fund touring inside of EU?

Also wonder if the future might be likeminded artists trying to create coalitions and curate their own traveling festival. It would be a nightmare to orchestrate but might be able to cut some cost if you can operate your show using the same instruments and equipment as your colleague within the coalition. Could possibly minimize crew too, as cold hearted as that sounds.

If EU is truly a problem because each country is individualized, it could mean more touring for America. They're definitely not as popular here though, so I don't know how that would equate financially.

Hoping for the best. I'm so damn anxious to see some live music and really hoping it comes back healthy.
Title: Re: Live Shows in post-pandemic lockdown and potential expectations
Post by: Bosco on Mar 11, 2021, 17:39
Hmmm... I see Pumisher posted about the announcement for Creamfields.

This really gonna go down this year? or just posturing?
Title: Re: Live Shows in post-pandemic lockdown and potential expectations
Post by: Stefan on Mar 11, 2021, 17:52
Hm, the UK has one of the fastest vaccination rates worldwide, and I guess that capacities will still increase in the coming months, so maybe they can really pull this off so that everybody can enjoy this safely?

Title: Re: Live Shows in post-pandemic lockdown and potential expectations
Post by: Csar on Mar 11, 2021, 20:00
I don't want to sound pessimistic but I believe we still have to wait for analyses of the efficacy of these vaccination efforts, probably reflected in the infection numbers and incidence values.
Fingers crossed that it works all out. But the timing is pretty tight and festivals need a lot of time to prepare I would think.
Title: Re: Live Shows in post-pandemic lockdown and potential expectations
Post by: Stefan on Mar 11, 2021, 20:22
I absolutely agree that the chances for mass events during summer are still very low, even with a successful vaccination program.
From everything I've read so far the results do look promising, of course for protection against the disease (this is what is tested in the trials, so any vaccine has to work in that sense in order to get approved in the first place), and also for reducing the spread. Of course scientists and regulatory agencies have to wait unitl the data is really really robust before any recommendatins can be made to allow mass gartherings to happen again.

I'm guessing that in this case the organizers of Creamfields are basically taking a huge bet and are fully aware that they might call the whole thing off.
Title: Re: Live Shows in post-pandemic lockdown and potential expectations
Post by: Csar on Mar 11, 2021, 21:26
Yeah, Creamfields is pretty optimistic but so are the boys as it seems!

https://forum.thechembase.com/index.php/topic,2312.msg25851.html#msg25851
Title: Re: Live Shows in post-pandemic lockdown and potential expectations
Post by: Bosco on Mar 12, 2021, 00:54
This might be a little too presumptuous, but I'm curious if this "announcement" for Creamfields has to do with sewing up some loose ends so they qualify for a certain threshold of festival insurance this year. Things were covered for 2020, but maybe they had to show a sign of actively pursuing resumption of business in 2021 to cover their ass when they eventually have to cancel again this year?

Seems silly to announce a headliner to what is an already sold out festival. Especially, within the current environment we're in now. Why get everyones hopes up?
Title: Re: Live Shows in post-pandemic lockdown and potential expectations
Post by: Csar on Mar 12, 2021, 06:48
That would be quite a stretch. No insurance would cover COVID related issues THIS year as the risks are still uncalculatable and cancellations more likely than not.
I firmly believe they just want to get out there and play music to their fans. And remember, there are still the old scheduled festivals from last year.
Title: Re: Live Shows in post-pandemic lockdown and potential expectations
Post by: Wolkenkrabber on Mar 26, 2021, 14:31
So another Chems UK festival date announced today.
I admire the optimism of this, I just wish I shared it (really!).

It would be great if we could all get jabs like with MMR or Tetanus and say "that's it, we're covered".
But this thing ain't so simple.
The UK vaccination effort is no doubt impressive (although I still await my first jab). However the most commonly used vaccine at the moment here is the Astra Zenica one. And as per below, it isn't very effective against the South African variant.
I personally wouldn't want to be packed into a tight crowd with tens of thousands of others who may or may not have a variant of the virus that is protected by the vaccine.
I hate to be a Debbie Downer but I fear that this thing is going to mutate and roll on for years.

And as for Sonar and Rock In Roma in June? Well I'm hearing about a "third wave" in mainland Europe. If those dates go ahead, I'm no longer a Dutchman.

https://twitter.com/devisridhar/status/1375396616669134849

https://twitter.com/devisridhar/status/1375401121662042114

https://twitter.com/globalhlthtwit/status/1375394315959218176

https://twitter.com/globalhlthtwit/status/1375394320077967362

Title: Re: Live Shows in post-pandemic lockdown and potential expectations
Post by: Born In Planet Dust on Mar 26, 2021, 14:44
I just got my first dose of Pfeizer and still the only way I'd consider going to a show or fest this summer is in a literal bubble.

https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-55794674
Title: Re: Live Shows in post-pandemic lockdown and potential expectations
Post by: Bosco on Mar 26, 2021, 19:18
I'm with you Wolkenkrabber. I just don't see how any music festivals can be safely executed with normal capacity. Way too many variables related to Covid in play.

But I do understand how important it is for festivals to push for an operating year this year. Not only are they fighting to stave off another economic hit, or trying to mitigate the health risk towards its attendees/employees. But they also have to fight the growing psyche that Music Festivals are detrimental and thus, unpractical.

If we go on to two+ years of no music festival season due to Covid, people are going to determine that attending a large event is generally a bad idea by default.

I might be too dramatic, but we probably are already experiencing the death rattle of non-brand name music festivals.



On a side note, I have tickets for a Music Festival in September (Riot Fest). There's optimism it's going to happen, and I'm thinking that I'm willing to attend as long as they don't restrict me in any way of protecting myself from the rest of the festival populous. And if they advise people attending in human sized hamster balls, as supported by The Flaming Lips, that's acceptable too.

Honestly though, I have faith in the Festival to stay on the up and up, it's all the other factors like public transportation and the limited defecting populus that worry me.

We'll see though, perhaps we're too confident that vaccinations are the key to victory here.
Title: Re: Live Shows in post-pandemic lockdown and potential expectations
Post by: Wolkenkrabber on Mar 27, 2021, 12:56
In the interests of balance, I think it might be worth mentioning that a science person involved in making vaccines replied to the Devi Sridar tweets above as follows:

https://twitter.com/sailorrooscout/status/1375415437731758084

Devi blocked "mac n chise", which didn't seem the best idea (although I do still have time for Devi - see her qualifications in her bio).
It seems there is only limited data so far regarding the (in)effectiveness of Astra Zenica on the South African variant.
I don't want to put anyone off getting the AZ vaccine. I personally think it's a good idea to get it, if you are offered a vaccine (even though Pfizer might be my first choice, if I had a choice). And  the "blood clot" fears wouldn't put me off. But I am not a scientist.

https://twitter.com/sailorrooscout/status/1375416297916411904
Title: Re: Live Shows in post-pandemic lockdown and potential expectations
Post by: Wolkenkrabber on Mar 30, 2021, 18:51
No, not the Chems. But if this can't go ahead in vaccine-central UK in July, I don't know how Sonar and Rock In Roma can go ahead in June.

https://twitter.com/BSTHydePark/status/1376912107661271041
Title: Re: Live Shows in post-pandemic lockdown and potential expectations
Post by: Stefan on May 02, 2021, 12:39
There was a "test rave" event in Liverpool this weekend:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/30/its-going-to-be-emotional-clubbers-return-in-liverpool-covid-pilot

So, depending on how this turns out, a Chems show this summer will become more (or less) likely.
Title: Re: Live Shows in post-pandemic lockdown and potential expectations
Post by: Bosco on May 02, 2021, 17:52
Would have liked to see more control over this, "test". "Guinea pigs", are about the only two words that I'm willing to comprehend from that article.

Congrats on your night out young ravers. After participating, here's hoping you stick to the recommended guidelines.  ::)
Title: Re: Live Shows in post-pandemic lockdown and potential expectations
Post by: Stefan on May 02, 2021, 20:10
Fully agree, I think it would've been way better had they required a negative test and also every attendee to be fully vaccinated in order to participate. But whe'll see, maybe I'm too pessimistic.

As far as lateral flow tests are concerned as permission for certain events, here's something from Austria:
Austria is in lock-down-ish mode since basically last year November, with indoor dining closed and non-essential shopping only open sometimes.
The region Vorarlberg had relatively low incidence compared to the rest of the country at the beginnig of 2021, so the gouvernment decided to use it as a "model region" for opening indoor dining, with the requirement of a negative lateral flow test no older than two days or a PCR test no older than three days.
While the incidence in the rest of the country has decreased, the numbers in the model region have tripled.
Of course, our incompetend gouvernment calls this a success and is planning to implement the system in the rest of the country later in May as well  :-\

Of course the situation is not really comparable to the UK, as the UK has way better numbers now (incidence is a 6th or so compared to here) but I cannot imagine going indoor dining, even if they re-open, let alone attend a large-scale event.

Title: Re: Live Shows in post-pandemic lockdown and potential expectations
Post by: 𝒥𝑅𝒮𝒵 on May 14, 2021, 03:42
And they just cancelled the Opener festival here in poland for second year in the row.
And I just planned to see Chems as my 1st gig ever :')
Title: Re: Live Shows in post-pandemic lockdown and potential expectations
Post by: ThePumisher on May 14, 2021, 19:35
Quote from: JRSZ on May 14, 2021, 03:42

And I just planned to see Chems as my 1st gig ever

:o
Title: Re: Live Shows in post-pandemic lockdown and potential expectations
Post by: shakermaker on Jul 25, 2021, 16:00
this was not too encouraging. lots of canaries in the coal mines right now.

tl/dr: 5% of 20k attendees tested positive for covid after a festival; all attendees had to show proof of vaccination or negative test taken within 40 hours of the event for entry. (not clear what kind of tests were acceptable - I assume PCR since it would need that kind of turnaround time window.)

https://pitchfork.com/news/dutch-music-festival-linked-to-1000-new-covid-cases/

Title: Re: Live Shows in post-pandemic lockdown and potential expectations
Post by: Wolkenkrabber on Aug 25, 2021, 18:43
https://twitter.com/BBCNews/status/1430240280461070338

A wide range of replies to this.
From this:
https://twitter.com/likes2look1/status/1430242208565891077

To this:
https://twitter.com/lenisgotthis/status/1430240951184904194

and these:
https://twitter.com/Gaslit_Studios/status/1430243772722515974
https://twitter.com/finstumpf/status/1430241756222787589

and a little worryingly this:
https://twitter.com/bagley41/status/1430405209600233472
(didn't embed because she has an emoji in her twitter name)




Also in the last 48 hours, news about Boardmasters festival which the Chems headlined back in 2018:
https://twitter.com/BBCNews/status/1429886641947164682

divided opinion again:
https://twitter.com/GrassrootsrefJS/status/1429887705870213125

https://twitter.com/Varneyshairline/status/1429926686888501252

https://twitter.com/SharonPRgirl/status/1429937962754600963
Title: Re: Live Shows in post-pandemic lockdown and potential expectations
Post by: hstn on Aug 26, 2021, 10:23
Quote from: Wolkenkrabber on Aug 25, 2021, 18:43

https://twitter.com/BBCNews/status/1430240280461070338

A wide range of replies to this.
From this:
https://twitter.com/likes2look1/status/1430242208565891077

To this:
https://twitter.com/lenisgotthis/status/1430240951184904194

and these:
https://twitter.com/Gaslit_Studios/status/1430243772722515974
https://twitter.com/finstumpf/status/1430241756222787589

and a little worryingly this:
https://twitter.com/bagley41/status/1430405209600233472
(didn't embed because she has an emoji in her twitter name)




Also in the last 48 hours, news about Boardmasters festival which the Chems headlined back in 2018:
https://twitter.com/BBCNews/status/1429886641947164682

divided opinion again:
https://twitter.com/GrassrootsrefJS/status/1429887705870213125

https://twitter.com/Varneyshairline/status/1429926686888501252

https://twitter.com/SharonPRgirl/status/1429937962754600963

we're never getting out of this are we....my mother works as a nurse and my best friend and his entire family contracted covid, nearly lost his dad and grandmother....none of anyone involved had these foolish mindsets

i think i'd be smart than be ignorant, no one should have to go through that pain just because someone else wanted to be selfish....no live show is worth that
Title: Re: Live Shows in post-pandemic lockdown and potential expectations
Post by: GLAKO-FAHN on Aug 26, 2021, 13:31
Quote from: hstn on Aug 26, 2021, 10:23

we're never getting out of this are we...
maybe not ︓⁄
Title: Re: Live Shows in post-pandemic lockdown and potential expectations
Post by: MIKL on Sep 06, 2021, 12:13
Very sad to see. The idea in Australia once ready to do so is that everyone will have to be vaccinated to attend an event but even then, you can still get it and everyone's body is different as to how bad covid is going to be for them.
Title: Re: Live Shows in post-pandemic lockdown and potential expectations
Post by: neorev on Sep 06, 2021, 16:24
Personally, I do not believe we should be having concerts right now. And it also kind of bugs me and disappoints me that The Chemical Brothers are performing.

I'm happy to see Nine Inch Nails and Deftones canceled their tours and appearances. It shows they care about people and their fans.
Title: Re: Live Shows in post-pandemic lockdown and potential expectations
Post by: Bosco on Sep 06, 2021, 20:20
Yeah, NIN, Pixies and Dinosaur Jr. all cancelled due to the state of COVID for the fest I'm about to attend. Replacements were made, but the festival is sending some serious mixed messages by pushing forward when a significant portion of their legacy acts are cancelling.

To be fair, there is no economic relief for the industry and the industries attached to musical festival during this pandemic. Everyone is left to defend for themselves at this point. Moral principles have no grounds when it comes to business survival.

Furthermore, look at professional sporting events... why aren't mass crowds at these events met with more criticism? We'll city tax revenue says, "Hi".

There is a lot to be written about this headache of a situation. Either you can live the hypocrisy or you can hide away. This is where we are at now.

In less than two weeks, I'll be choosing to live with the hypocrisy. I feel anxious and dirty about  it.
Title: Re: Live Shows in post-pandemic lockdown and potential expectations
Post by: neorev on Sep 10, 2021, 10:37
Jonathan Davis of Korn got COVID while on tour a couple weeks ago. They had to cancel a couple shows. Now he's performing from a throne because he's still having issues with breathing and being fatigued. Now it just came out that Munky has gotten COVID and will be sitting out some shows. Korn should probably just stop touring. At this rate, the whole band will get COVID if they keep on performing. Seems stupid to possibly do long lasting damage to yourself to play shows. I know Maynard of Tool was having lung issues that could affect his singing. Why risk screwing up the rest of your career?
Title: Re: Live Shows in post-pandemic lockdown and potential expectations
Post by: gfa2001 on Sep 12, 2021, 21:24
Hey there,

Was wondering what should I expect for Printworks, was looking at the show before and it was a bit of a mix of classics, deep cuts, random stuff and songs off No Geography. Any best guesses - hoping for some more hits vs last time.
Title: Re: Live Shows in post-pandemic lockdown and potential expectations
Post by: shakermaker on Sep 27, 2021, 05:05
the canaries continue to get infected. I'd be curious to see more data on the severity of cases linked to festivals.

festivals have probably always been very effective at spreading viruses, we have just never paid such close attention to it before. I do feel we rushed back into it at a wreckless pace. but it is happening.
Title: Re: Live Shows in post-pandemic lockdown and potential expectations
Post by: Bosco on Sep 27, 2021, 07:12
Yeah, it ain't about public safety anymore, it's all about tax flow and business survival at this point.

Managed to attend Riot Fest and seemingly have come unscathed. They checked for proof of vaccination at gate and or negative test within 48 hours, but they were pretty lax. People could have lied to get in. But I don't think the festival draws that kinda crowd.

95% of people weren't wearing masks for the entirety of the festival. I was the opposing 5%, but I'm not sure it really mattered. I say that because despite my effort to keep my self safe, I was crammed into public transportation post-festival where it was impossible to social distance. Speaking of which, an attendee managed to get electrocuted after getting bumped from overcrowded elevated train station in what is sure to be a colossal wrongful death suit for the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority).

Overall, it was a stressful music festival  weekend. While it was nice to hear some live music once again, I couldn't help but feel unsafe (for more reasons then COVID) and conflicted the entire time.