After a year full of cancelations and unknowns, the music industry is putting its name back on the charts. Due to COVID-19, concerts were either getting rescheduled to a later date or getting canceled in all. This put a deep hole in many artists’ pockets, but many of them did not only focus on their own safety, but were worried for their fans’ safety with the virus spreading at high rates in different cities. After the long break, artists have begun to hit the roads, touring for their beloved fans.

“After more than a year without live music, promoters, bands and fans are eager to keep the concerts going, but uncertainty remains over whether the vaccine or negative-test requirements actually make large concerts safe even if held outdoors,” reporter Eric Berger said in a CNN article. 

Many states have not lifted certain restrictions, but artists and music companies have dealt with the punches and have certain restrictions in order for their concerts to run smoothly and most importantly, in a safe manner. 

These artists had to consider many different factors such as: outdoor versus indoor venues, vaccinated versus non-vaccinated, negative COVID-19 tests versus no testing required, etc. This has made a huge decision for many fans to make when considering whether or not to attend the show. 

A well-known artist, Harry Styles, announced that he will not only require proof of vaccine or negative test results at all his upcoming shows, but he is also implementing a mask mandate each night. His tour route came to Pittsburgh on Oct. 14, featuring an inside concert at PPG Paints Arena.

“During the concert, mask-wearing was required, but roughly 90% of the people followed to rules and I had to show my vaccine in order to attend the concert that night,” Grace White said.

Another artist, Phoebe Bridgers, has moved all her venues that were previously scheduled to be indoors to be all outdoor venues. She also is requiring vaccinations and when it is not prohibited by law, a negative COVID-19 test within the last 48 hours of the concert’s start time. 

Another well know artist that recently came to Pittsburgh on Oct. 16 was Dierks Bentley. This concert featured an outside concert, where mask wearing was not permitted, but negative COVID-19 tests or proof of vaccination was required along with proof of identification. 

The spots where fans have to worry the most about being around people is in areas that are hard to keep your distance from others. Huddling together at the entrance waiting in line to enter, and other places with food lines, drink lines and the restrooms make it hard to keep one’s distance from other people. Other than that, most of the fans will be spaced out and are able to remain their distance from others.  

While it might seem like the music industry will be returning to normal with artists making requirements to attend their concerts, many are still not selling out shows like they used to and their numbers are beginning to drop.