The first half of 2020 saw music festivals and concerts getting canceled left and right as the country and the world shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, even though some states are beginning to reopen, the future of mass events – such as music festivals and concerts – is still uncertain.
At the beginning of the pandemic, some festivals postponed or canceled their event until 2021, while others postponed it to the fall, hoping that things would turn around. Coachella, one of the biggest festivals in the world, postponed until October. While people are hoping that a festival such as Coachella could happen by then, it seems to be less and less plausible as time goes by.
Today, according to sources in contact with Bloomberg, the organizers of Coachella are asking the artists on the lineup for this year to play 2021 instead. The sources asked to remain anonymous because the plans have not been firmed up and confirmed. Coachella in the past has only made announcements when things are certain. The decision to cancel or postpone to 2021 has a lot of moving parts. Issues such as insurance, finances, and working with local health and governing authorities all need to happen. As a result, Goldenvoice has not responded to a request for comment or said anything regarding the matter since the October postponement announcement in March.
This year’s Coachella had a stellar lineup – with Frank Ocean, Travis Scott, and Rage Against the Machine headlining. According to Bloomberg’s sources, some artists have confirmed they can play next year.
When the original postponement was announced, Goldenvoice gave the option for ticket holders to get a refund or hold their ticket for the Fall. If it does get moved to 2021, the hope is that the same offer would be given again. The music and entertainment industry is suffering. Goldenvoice is owned by AEG, the second-largest presenter of live music and entertainment events after Live Nation, which has helped keep them afloat.
Predictions from health authorities and entertainment companies believe that we won’t be able to get back to events until summer 2021. All we can do is wait and see.
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