COVID-19 wreaks havoc in rock’n’roll
“The pandemic hit the busiest months, starting in early spring, and it has meant a year without income for artists, teams, promoters and agents,” says Dave Brooks, Billboardsenior tour manager. “The question was: can you survive a year without money? Many could not. A lot of people have left the company and will not come back. “
“The concert industry was more conservative than a lot of industries,” he says. “There was no pressure to have concerts as the pandemic raged. They knew that not ensuring safety would have negative long-term consequences. They did a good job of patiently waiting. venues, mostly clubs and theaters, have closed across the country, others have been saved thanks to funding from the federal government’s Paycheck Protection Program and the Save Our Stages Act.
“It could have been a lot worse,” says Brooks. “At the start of the pandemic, 90 percent of sites [operators] thought they should close. This number is actually less than 10 percent. People have found ways to generate income, through streaming shows, renegotiating leases. They did all they had to do. “
Vaccines to the rescue
Biggest reminder? Vaccines. Anthony Fauci, MD, chief medical adviser to President Biden and longtime infectious disease expert, told the New York Times he expects concerts to return in the fall, once collective immunity is achieved through extended vaccinations.
“By the time we get to the beginning and the middle of fall,” Fauci said, “you can have people who feel safe on stage, as well as people in the audience.”
Concert times suggest an earlier return, in part due to confidence in the safer conditions for summer and stadium shows compared to closed events. The virus spreads less efficiently outdoors and in hot weather.
“In January and February, we thought the concerts wouldn’t come back until the end of the year,” Brooks said. “But with the release of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and the news that anyone who wants to get vaccinated should be by the end of May, it’s looking good for the summer. cautiously optimistic that we can turn the volume up. “
In fact, promoters anticipate a drop in bookings as artists scramble for available slots.
“If you don’t see your favorite number booked within the next month or two, wait,” says Brooks. “Every artist will want to hit the road and come back in front of the fans.”
15 awesome tours and shows on sale now
Note that dates are subject to change. For more details, updates and ticket information, check out the artists’ websites, Ticketmaster.com or Pollstar.com. Initially, venue capacity may be limited and spectators may be required to wear masks and respect social distancing.
Beach boys Ride the wave during stops March 27 in Wichita, Kansas, through September 24 in Bensalem, Pennsylvania.
boyfriend guy The blues legend starts May 7 in Austin, Texas, and ends November 7 in Asbury Park, New Jersey.
James taylor Sweet Baby James brings Jackson browne May 14 in New Orleans through July 10 in Wantagh, New York. Taylor hires Bonnie Raitt for dates in Canada in September and October.
Jimmy buffett The idol of Parrotheads around the world has booked dates scattered throughout the year, from May 18 in Nashville, Tennessee to December 11 in Orlando, Florida.
Foreigner The Anglo-American hitmakers open with a pair of shows on May 19 and 20 in Orlando, Florida, and have dates confirmed through August 28 in Hyannis, Massachusetts.
Dan of steel Taken over by co-founder Donald Fagen after the death of Walter Becker in 2017, Steely Dan and opener Steve winwood launch a tour on June 2 in Portland, Oregon, with dates through July 11 in Wantagh, New York.
Dave Matthews Group Eternal Road Tripers have booked 50 dates from June 8-9 in Uncasville, Connecticut, through October 8-9 in Durant, Oklahoma.
Chicago The brass-powered rock band, in their 54th consecutive year on the road, will kick off a June 11 tour in Concord, Calif., Which runs through December 17 in Robinsonville, Mississippi.
Carlos santana The Latin-rock fusion guitarist, in the first part Earth, Air and Fire, embarks on a 31-date tour June 18 in Chula Vista, Calif., ending August 28 in Tampa, Florida.
Def Leppard, Motley Crüe, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Poison The hard rock / heavy metal bands have teamed up for a stadium tour from June 19 in Nashville, Tennessee to September 12 in San Diego.
Rod stewart Joined by Cheap tip on most dates, Rod Stewart performed in the US from July 15 in Cincinnati to August 24 in Nashville, Tennessee, then went overseas.
The Doobie brothers The group’s 50th anniversary tour, postponed last year, has been rescheduled to begin July 17 in West Palm Beach, Florida, and end October 23 in New Orleans.
Hall and Oates Pop duo Daryl Hall and John Oates hit the road August 5 in Mansfield, Massachusetts, and performed through October 7 in Portland, Oregon, with Press and KT Tunstall share the bill.
To kiss The US leg of the band’s End of the Road world tour begins Aug. 18 in Mansfield, Massachusetts, and ends Oct. 6 in Lafayette, Louisiana.
Eagles After two dates in August at Wembley Stadium in London, the Eagles begin an American tour on September 16 in Denver, reserved until October 23 in San Francisco.
