Thursday marked a significant milestone in the effort to reopen post-pandemic New Jersey with the state’s biggest gig since the pandemic began.
Rock and roll icons Guns N ‘Roses were the first band to perform at MetLife Stadium in over a year. The audience was ready to listen to live music again. Many arrived at the tailgate early.
“I love it. I can’t wait. Even in quarantine, we were still playing Guns N ‘Roses,” Nicole Pazzaglia said.
MetLife Stadium does not require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to attend an outdoor performance. But the venue encourages members of the public to wear masks inside the stadium.
“Your nerves are still a little wary, especially with the new variant and everything,” said Erika Norkaitis, a regular at concerts. “But we thought we always enjoyed live music and knowing that we are vaccinated really gives us a little more confidence in everyone.”
As big gigs are back in New Jersey, COVID-19 protocols vary widely.
The Sea.Hear.Now seaside concert in Asbury Park has announced that attendees must be vaccinated or test negative for COVID-19.
The Guns N ‘Roses show was originally scheduled for last summer, but was postponed until restrictions were lifted.
The last concert organized at the stadium took place in September 2019.
