Organisers of socially distanced Frank Turner gig in London say it “did not succeed” in creating live music blueprint

Chris Willman Music WriterBritish music star Sam Fender found quite a platform when he played sold-out, back-to-back shows at the Virgin Money Unity Arena, a pop-up venue in Gosforth Park, Newcastle. He found 500 platforms, in fact.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that music venues will be able to re-open with social distancing measures in place, nightclubs and dance halls still remain closed.

2,500 fans watching Sam Fender at the new Virgin Money Unity Arena at Newcastle Racecourse. The gig made use of 500 platforms which were spaced two metres apart from one another.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, gigs many people were looking forward to have been put on hold for at least another year.But, in what could be a sign of the future for music-lovers, the UK's first socially-distanced concert took place last night.Promoters SD Concerts said the safety of the audience was being protected as each set of concert-goers had a viewing platform with its own table, chairs and fridge.The idea is that people from the same household will arrive at the venue, park up then

Sam Fender has played to an audience of some 2,500 fans in what promoters claim was the world’s first socially-distanced concert.

Sam Fender performed the UK’s first socially distanced outdoor show this evening – and fans have taken to social media to give their verdict.The ‘Hypersonic Missiles’ artist headlined the new Virgin Money Unity Arena at Newcastle Racecourse tonight (August 11), with 2,500 attendees watching on from 500 platforms that were spaced two metres apart from one another.Throughout the event, those in attendance have posted images and footage online while offering their thoughts on the ‘new normal’ for

coronavirus pandemic.An official press release stated that “donations totaling nearly £270,000, co-ordinated by the BPI, will go to a range of causes from this second round of funding that will help to sustain artists and musicians, artist managers and grassroots music venues that are most in need.”The financial support comes from funds previously provided by major record labels Sony Music Entertainment UK, Universal Music UK, Warner Music UK, and independents Cherry Red and Demon Music

Biig Piig (aka 22-year-old Jess Smyth) to shine – albeit in slightly different circumstances.Read more: Biig Piig: unfiltered, empowering anthems from Irish star’s genre-busting new eraOrganised to raise money for Refuge and Trans Women of Color Survival Fund, Biig Piig’s mini-festival firmly puts the spotlight on female voices. Fellow member of London’s NiNE 8 Collective NAYANA IZ kicks off proceedings with enchanting vocals and Indian-inspired beats from her latest EP ‘SMOKE & FLY’.

Rolling Stones’ “Scarlet” video Thursday on YouTube was preceded by a chat between its sole star, Paul Mescal — currently an Emmy nominee for “Normal People” — and a jovial Mick Jagger, who appeared happy to have left the heavy lifting (or the spontaneous stunt work) to someone else.“You were obviously having so much fun in this empty hotel,” said Jagger, 77, referring to the use of the currently unoccupied Claridge’s hotel in London as a set for Mescal’s seemingly drunken shenanigans.

Chris Willman Music WriterThe premiere of the Rolling Stones’ “Scarlet” video Thursday on YouTube was preceded by a chat between its sole star, Paul Mescal — currently an Emmy nominee for “Normal People” — and a jovial Mick Jagger, who appeared happy to have left the heavy lifting (or the spontaneous stunt work) to someone else.“You were obviously having so much fun in this empty hotel,” said Jagger, referring to the use of the currently unoccupied Claridge’s hotel in London as a set for

Van Morrison is set to play two socially-distanced gigs in London this September.The veteran musician will play the “socially distance shows with reduced limited capacity” at Camden’s Electric Ballroom on September 5 and 6.Tickets for the event are on sale now with a maximum of 10 tickets for two households or ‘bubbles”.

maybe ," compere Kiri Pritchard-McLean tells the crowd. The last few months have been no laughing matter, with the Covid-19 death toll still ticking and the devastating impact of lockdown laying waste to countless jobs.The performing arts industry has been among the hardest hit, with redundancies at institutions such as Manchester's Royal Exchange theatre feared to be just the tip of the iceberg.

Sam Fender is set to open the UK’s first socially distanced music venue next month with his only live show of the year.The ‘Hypersonic Missiles’ singer-songwriter, who was forced to postpone his 2020 tour due to the coronavirus crisis, will headline the Virgin Money Unity Arena at the Newcastle Racecourse on August 13.Fender will be the first to take to the stage at the purpose-built outdoor venue, which will also play host to the likes of The Libertines, Two Door Cinema Club and Supergrass over

Frank Turner is to play the UK’s first show to be requested by the government as a pilot for the return of live music.The punk singer-songwriter will play The Clapham Grand tonight (July 28), with the South London venue operating at less than 20% capacity.Performing to a crowd of 180 fans, Turner’s show will be used to provide a clear understanding on how indoor UK venues can return to their full functioning capacity in the near future.Ally Wolf, manager of The Clapham Grand, said: “Preparing

Van Morrison and The Bootleg Beatles have joined this summer’s line-up for the UK’s first socially distanced music venue.The Virgin Money Unity Arena, which is set to open at Newcastle Racecourse in August, will allow music fans across the North East to enjoy live music for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began.It’s now been confirmed that blues legend Van Morrison will play the venue on Thursday September 3, while an earlier show comes from The Bootleg Beatles on August 16.Virgin

Fleetwood Mac bandmate Peter Green, who died today (July 25).Guitarist Green was one of the group’s co-founders alongside drummer Fleetwood in London in 1967.In a statement shared with Rolling Stone, Fleetwood said: “For me, and every past and present member of Fleetwood Mac, losing Peter Green is monumental!“Peter was the man who started the band Fleetwood Mac along with myself, John McVie, and Jeremy Spencer.

Broadway shows are on hiatus until at least Jan. 3.