We all miss it– hearing your favorite artist’s voice vibrate through your chest. A sea of people, each with their own unique experience, sharing a moment united by music. The feeling of euphoria as the main lights go off, the stage lights come on, and the main act steps onto the stage for the first time.
We’re all anxiously awaiting the day when we can step back into an arena, but what if there was a way we could safely enjoy a concert live and in-person, despite the current global pandemic?
With all of the nostalgia of a drive-in movie and the novelty of the innovative spirit of the music industry, Drive-in concerts are here to answer your prayers.
Country music star Alan Jackson kicked off summer in Cullman, Alabama with this novel concept. In place of a sea of people, nearly 2,000 sets of headlights illuminated the audience as Jackson performed one of the largest drive-in events since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
“I love cars,” Jackson told the crowd. “This is perfect for me. The main thing we’re just glad to get out of the house and have a good time with y’all down here.”
General admission cars were priced at $100 for two people and $40 for each additional person. This may sound pricey for a drive-in show, but Jackson’s tour manager Nathan Baugh said, “It’s… as close to a festival experience as you can get.”
Fans whipped out their lawn chairs, coolers, and snacks to enjoy Jackson’s 75-minute set. While some show-goers sat in the bed of their trucks, others propped up on top of their cars to get the best view of the stage production.
Matthew Leimkuehler from USA Today stated, “In hopes of maintaining social [distancing], lemonade carts delivered drinks and fans could order food for car side delivery via text message.”
So, what other stars are jumping on the drive-in bandwagon? Artists including Keith Urban, Garth Brooks, Eli Young Band, and more, either have upcoming shows or have already performed.
However, don’t expect all of your favorite artists to headline a field near you. Not every state is loosening their guidelines at the same pace, so it’s up to individual counties on whether or not these shows will be allowed to take place.
Drive-in concerts will never be able to replace the live experience we all know and love, but it’s the best we can do for the time being. So, kick it back with a cold one and enjoy the nostalgia this summer!
