It was a ground-breaking event at The Virgin Money Unity Arena in Newcastle, England.
The world's first properly socially-distanced gig and the man who made the music was Sam Fender.
He told The Fergal D'Arcy Show about making history and making music.
I am absolutely buzzing and there was so many positives. I know it looked like a cattle market or something but I was so happy to get on stage! People in lockdown needed this. The industry has been devastated. We're gonna come out the other end. we can do this!
[audio mp3="https://media.radiocms.net/uploads/2020/08/14141802/SAM-FENDER-SD-GIG-POD-CHAT.mp3"][/audio]
Sam Fender on stage at the Virgin Money Unity Arena, a pop-up venue in Gosforth Park, Newcastle. Fans in groups of up to five people are watching the show from 500 separate raised metal platforms at what the promoters say is the world's first socially-distanced gig.
Fans watch Sam Fender on stage at the Virgin Money Unity Arena, a pop-up venue in Gosforth Park, Newcastle. Fans in groups of up to five people are watching the show from 500 separate raised metal platforms at what the promoters say is the world's first socially-distanced gig.
People during the Sam Fender concert at the Virgin Money Unity Arena, a pop-up venue in Gosforth Park, Newcastle. Fans in groups of up to five people are watching the show from 500 separate raised metal platforms at what the promoters say is the world's first socially-distanced gig.
Fans in separate pens to social distance, during the Sam Fender concert at the Virgin Money Unity Arena, a pop-up venue in Gosforth Park, Newcastle. Fans in groups of up to five people are watching the show from 500 separate raised metal platforms at what the promoters say is the world's first socially-distanced gig.
People arrive for the Sam Fender concert at the Virgin Money Unity Arena, a pop-up venue in Gosforth Park, Newcastle. Fans in groups of up to five people are watching the show from 500 separate raised metal platforms at what the promoters say is the world's first socially-distanced gig.
Sam Fender on stage at the Virgin Money Unity Arena, a pop-up venue in Gosforth Park, Newcastle. Fans in groups of up to five people are watching the show from 500 separate raised metal platforms at what the promoters say is the world's first socially-distanced gig.
People during the Sam Fender concert at the Virgin Money Unity Arena, a pop-up venue in Gosforth Park, Newcastle. Fans in groups of up to five people are watching the show from 500 separate raised metal platforms at what the promoters say is the world's first socially-distanced gig.
Preparations underway ahead of the Sam Fender concert at the Virgin Money Unity Arena, a pop-up venue in Gosforth Park, Newcastle. Fans in groups of up to five people are watching the show from 500 separate raised metal platforms at what the promoters say is the world's first socially-distanced gig.
People during the Sam Fender concert at the Virgin Money Unity Arena, a pop-up venue in Gosforth Park, Newcastle. Fans in groups of up to five people are watching the show from 500 separate raised metal platforms at what the promoters say is the world's first socially-distanced gig.
TodayFM's Ian Dempsey was Tweeting about it and it went stratospheric!
The thirst for live music is REAL people!
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
Then former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar was on it:
Hope this works out. Really miss concerts
UK's first socially distanced gig took place last night Sam Fender concert - https://t.co/EvQzInJUoK https://t.co/lPTHT2iXUC
— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) August 12, 2020
