Rapino made the prediction during the company’s G3 2020 earnings call, attributing it not only to the prospect of a vaccine but also testing advances. “We are working on a roadmap to get back to live safely,” he said. “We are encouraged by progress on testing technology treatments and vaccines which will help us build our plans.”

Pfizer and BioNTech’s announcement culminated from a phase 3 study involving 43,538 participants, 94 of whom were diagnosed with COVID-19. Some of the individuals who contracted the novel coronavirus were given a placebo and the others were given the vaccine. Among the latter, a 90% efficacy rate was observed seven days after the second dose.  The two companies next order of business is to conduct an interim analysis and continue the study to gather more data.

As trials remain ongoing, Rapino’s positive outlook for Live Nation and music as a whole should not be treated as gospel. He said that the “exact timeline of this return will vary by region, and so we continue to focus on remaining flexible,” adding that “the path to live will not be a straight line.”

Pfizer and BioNTech project that they will be able to produce 50 million global vaccine doses by the end of 2020, and up to 1.3 billion doses in 2021.

Image credit: Alexander Popov

Both Live Nation and the German event company CTS Eventim celebrated significant gains after the vaccine efficacy announcement was made. On Monday, the former company’s share price peaked at $69.14 – its highest point since February. Meanwhile, the latter hit $52.10, also its highest in the same period. The increases paint a promising picture for the artists, fans, venue owners, and staff hoping to return to their way of life.

A Continuing Hurdle

While the recent news does spark optimism in the live music industry, the challenges are far from over. Medical experts have stated that the distribution process is anything but simple and will take time to implement.

Once Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine starts being distributed, It’s likely that the typically younger, healthier, concert-going age group will have to wait to receive their vaccine as the most vulnerable population will be served first. Although this may increase the wait time for the return of large-scale events, sentiments are far more optimistic as it’s the first time since the start of the pandemic that an end may be in sight.

TheHundred Presents founder Brennen Bryarly revealed the news during a gathering at The Church Nightclub in Denver on Friday, June 8th. He made the announcement in between DJ sets delivered by Lee Burridge and Hoj (the former co-founded All Day I Dream and the latter is a signee and resident).

No other performing artists have been announced for the first All Day I Dream in Denver. Bryarly told Selector that no locals would be booked for the gathering as Burridge would curate the entertainment roster himself.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Lee Burridge and Matthew Dekay founded All Day I Dream in 2011 to double as an event brand and record label. Since then they have provided a platform for such producers as Bedouin, Gab Rhome and Lost Desert in addition to hosting curated events in mass markets like Barcelona, Dubai, Holland and Los Angeles.

Brennen Bryarly makes a suitable partner for several reasons. He also launched his own promotional company in 2011 to champion house and techno in the Mile High. Through his newfound partnership with Live Nation, Bryarly has more resources at his disposal than ever before.

Lineup announcements will arrive gradually for the first All Day I Dream in Denver. Purchase tickets or find additional information here.

The move is part of a bigger strategy to penetrate the East Asian dance music market, giving fans in the region access to more live music events. Wong was selected for his recent accolades. In the past three years he has booked over 500 DJs for gigs at concerts, festivals and nightclubs throughout Hong Kong and Mainland China.

Upon accepting the position, Wong told Music Business Worldwide:

I am excited to join Live Nation, especially considering the enormous potential this new venture creates for electronic music fans and artists. My team and I are passionate about electronic music and we are committed to contributing to the growth of this community in Asia.

The first official Live Nation Electronic Asia billing is Tiësto‘s eight-city October tour in support of his new compilation, Clublife Vol. 5: China. The division will follow that up an installment of Creamfields Festival in Hong Kong and another in Taipei, Taiwan the next month.

Source: Dancing Astronaut