England Holds Actual Properly Socially Distanced Concert

Between the Chainsmokers Hamptons concert and Smash Mouth's appearance at a biker's festival, the U.S. has been really struggling with how to safely enjoy live music during the coronavirus pandemic. Meanwhile, the U.K. appears to have it sorted out.

The country's first COVID-safe music venue, the Virgin Money Unity Arena, opened last night in Newcastle with a performance from Sam Fender, and pictures from the event make the whole idea of a concert in the time of COVID seem very simple: keep it outdoors, and give everyone a gated little area.

The UK's first socially distanced gig happened in Newcastle last night. 500 separate raised metal platforms, each accommodating up to five people from the same family/household. Hand sanitizer station and mini fridge included. Singing allowed too! pic.twitter.com/49pp1EnVFj

— Ian Dempsey (@IanDempsey) August 12, 2020

The unconventional idea had people excited about not only the idea of concerts during the pandemic, but also for the chance to actually sit down at a concert.

I’ve been waiting my whole life for seated festivals https://t.co/r6DZmvs2f1

— police do not provide public safety. (@ChasingDestinee) August 12, 2020

listen this looks incredible to me, an elderly millennial https://t.co/0yXPV5ApY3

— Hanif Abdurraqib (@NifMuhammad) August 12, 2020

I see NOTHING wrong with this https://t.co/zgTnuvSaZh

— Low (@LowKeyUHTN) August 12, 2020

Can this be a thing even when Covid is gone? 🤔 https://t.co/WTueSJDGfS

— Pinche-Register and Vote (@Pinche_Pi) August 12, 2020

The Newcastle arena will soon have concerts featuring The Libertines, Van Morrison and Two Door Cinema Club. Whether or not the idea of sit-down areas at concerts survives into the After Times remains to be seen, but if this experiment proves anything, it's that a fair amount of people would love the chance to just rest their tired bones at some concerts.