Basses thumping, speakers booming, bodies swaying to the rhythm: concerts are an adored pastime for a worldwide audience. There are events for any fan of any background. This sense of community and experience is so important to so many people, even amidst a pandemic.

As the world ends its second full year of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is easy to say that every soul has become restless in one way or another. So naturally, concerts are one way to release the pressure of this isolation. 

Joseph Hudack of Rolling Stone reports that some artists such as Elton John and Kacey Musgraves have hit the stage in recent months under the provision that all attendees wear masks, are vaccinated, or show a negative Covid test result within 48 hours before the show. While some events and acts require nothing of the sort, with Kid Rock declining to play at any venue with a mask mandate, Omicron continues to surge. 

Mixed feelings arise on the idea and execution of concerts during this time, while some concert-goers view it as a social issue others see it as a health issue. There will always be people that attend no matter the circumstance. Old Dominion manager Tommy Garris had this to say, “I believe we’re all doing what we have to do, otherwise the industry dies.” Whether people choose safer routes for assembly or not, the show must go on.