It’s not live music as we know it, but we’ll take it.
Like pretty much all walks of life at the moment, uncertainty currently surrounds the music industry and the future of live performances in particular.
As long as social distancing remains a way of life in Ireland and beyond, a return to gigs, concerts and festivals as we previously knew them isn’t really feasible and acts and promoters are going to have to adapt accordingly.
Many have been doing that in a virtual capacity in recent weeks and months, but actual live gigs are on the way in Ireland this summer in what promoters are suggesting will be amongst “the most highly anticipated events of this year”.
Organised by Carl Owens of MPI Artists in conjunction with Mark Dunne of 360 Management, Live at the Drive-In aims to provide a live music experience for fans, who can enjoy it while adhering to all government and World Health Organisation (WHO) safety guidelines.
As the title suggests, fans will enjoy the live performances from the comfort of their cars or from the car of someone from their own household, the idea being that those attending the gigs stay in their vehicles for the duration of the performance.
No alcohol will be permitted on any of the sites, which will all operate a detailed Covid-19 management plan. All staff involved will undergo rigorous safety training and will be provided with full PPE.
Kicking off at The Greenpark Site in Limerick on 24 July, events have also been planned for Cork, Waterford and Kilkenny as part of a six-week run (see details below), with further events set to be announced in due course.
Limerick: The Greenpark Site, Friday 24 July
Tickets available at
liveatthedrivein.ie and
Dolans.ie
Cork: Cork Show Grounds, Friday 31 July
Tickets available at
liveatthedrivein.ie
Waterford: Tramore Promenade, Friday 7 August
Tickets available at
liveatthedrivein.ie
Kilkenny: Gowran Racecourse, Monday 10 August
Tickets available at
liveatthedrivein.ie
Gavin James has been confirmed as the first headliner for the series, with organisers also promising that some of Ireland’s most popular artists will also perform in outdoor venues across the country.
Two shows per day are planned at all venues; a matinee show expected to commence at approximately 4pm and an evening show at approximately 8pm.
Organisers have advised a car entry capacity of 250-300 cars per show, saying that some sites will be able to comfortably accommodate the larger end of this scale and others the smaller end.
Tickets priced at €60 + booking fees and taxes per car of four will go on sale at
liveatthedrivein.ie on Friday 29 May at 9am.
A contribution from the proceeds of each event will be given to a nominated charity of the headline band’s choosing. Gavin James’ chosen charity is Down Syndrome Centre.
More details on all aspects of the shows will be provided on
liveatthedrivein.ie closer to the series kicking off at the end of July.
