This combination photo shows, from left, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker and rapper Nelly, who will participate in Live Nation's “Live from the Drive-In,” concert series taking place July 10-12. (AP Photo)
The world’s largest organizer of live music events has announced its first ever “drive-in” concert series in the United States.
International promoter Live Nation says its “Live from the Drive-In” series will offer nine shows in three cities next month.
Award-winning stars Brad Paisley and Nelly will be among the performers.
The drive-in events aim to bring live concerts back after months of social distancing and stay-at-home orders because of the coronavirus health crisis.
Paisley, a Grammy-winning ｃountry artist, will perform in all three cities. They are Saint Louis, Missouri; Nashville, Tennessee; and Indianapolis, Indiana. The concerts will take place on July 10, 11 and 12.
Country music artists Darius Rucker and Jon Pardi will perform in Nashville, while rapper Nelly will perform just outside St. Louis, in Maryland Heights, Missouri.
This artist rendering released by Live Nation shows the set up for Live Nation's “Live from the Drive-In,” concert series taking place July 10-12. (Live Nation via AP)
All the shows will take place at amphitheaters, outdoor performance spaces with circular seating. But for these events, the concerts will not be held inside the amphitheater. Instead, concertgoers will watch each performance from their car or empty parking lot spaces between each vehicle.
The stage will be built in front of the cars. Attendees can have up to four people inside each vehicle. There will be two empty spaces between each vehicle, creating what Live Nation describes as “tailgating” areas.
Concertgoers will be required to remain within the marked tailgating areas during the shows, except for trips to the restroom. They will be permitted to bring their own food, drinks and seating. Food products and drinks will also be available for purchase.
All concert workers will be required to wear face coverings during the events. Concertgoers will be asked to wear face coverings upon arrival but can remove them once inside their tailgating areas.
Tom See is the president of Live Nation Venues-U.S. Concerts. He told The Associated Press the company spent months working to find a safe, enjoyable way to hold live shows during the coronavirus crisis.
This artist rendering released by Live Nation shows the set up for Live Nation's “Live from the Drive-In,” concert series taking place July 10-12. (Live Nation via AP)
See added that the company felt the need to hold a series of concerts instead of organizing just one. “It was really important to us not to just do one and be done. It wouldn’t be Live Nation. It wouldn’t be the concert industry leader. We wanted to make a bigger statement.”
See said the price of admission will depend on the city, but they can be as low as $125 per vehicle.
Brad Paisley told the AP he was “very excited” to take part in the concerts, which he said were planned with the safety of those attending in mind. “My goal would be not to spread this virus to one person. There should be no spread from this. That’s key,” he said. “I just don’t think it’s worth doing shows if we’re putting people at risk.”
“The idea that we’re outdoors is a great thing,” Paisley added. “I just think it’s a fun way to watch a concert anyway. It’d be fun if there wasn’t a virus.”
I’m Bryan Lynn.
The Associated Press reported on this story. Bryan Lynn adapted the report for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor.
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Words in This Story
concert – n. a public performance, such as music or dancing
promoter – n. a person or company that organizes large events
parking lot – n. an area outside a building for parking cars and other vehicles
stage – n. the raised area in a public space where people perform
tailgate – v. to have a social gathering in which food and drinks are served at or near the back of a parked vehicle
excite – v. to feel very happy and enthusiastic
key – adj. very important in influencing something
Comprehension Quiz
Where will all the shows take place?
