News

Watch Footage From Socially Distanced Metal Gigs In Europe

See how crowds in Switzerland and Norway are enjoying the return of metal gigs.

Watch Footage From Socially Distanced Metal Gigs In Europe

While the UK is preparing for the return of live music with drive-in shows and the country's first socially distanced venue, fans in Switzerland and Norway have already been able to enjoy several post-lockdown metal gigs.

German thrash metallers Destruction headed to Switzerland over the weekend for a pair of seemingly successful socially distanced gigs in which the restricted capacity (250-300 fans in the 1,600-capacity Z7 Club) allowed attendees to keep their space from one another. Norwegian avant-garde black metallers Arcturus, meanwhile, were able to perform in their home country to a limited seated audience at Sentralen in Oslo.

Read this: Robb Flynn says “Fuck no!” to Machine Head playing drive-in gigs

“When we heard that our fave club Z7 is doing concerts under government restrictions, we were amazed by the fact because we all know that the prognosis for shows this year was very low,” said Destruction vocalist Schmier, with the band announcing an after-movie of the gigs to be released next week.

“Switzerland has very low corona cases and moves ahead as a role-model at the moment. When we got invited to play, I read the precautions and restrictions for concerts in the country and there is a lot of substance in their catalogue of measures. Social distancing only works with common sense, so we all need to learn how to live with it!

“The shows turned out great, the people were really respectful and we have decided to film the event. So our team is working on an after-movie and a live mix till next week now, the world needs to see that there is hope for the music business!!!

He concludes positively: “Yes it will not be easy but we can do it, step by step and all together!”

Check out the trailer for Destruction's post-lockdown shows – featuring a socially distanced crowd – below:

And see Arcturus' full performance:

Destruction release their new live album Born To Thrash – Live In Germany on July 17 via Nuclear Blast.

Read this: Counting the cost of coronavirus on touring bands

Check out more:

The best of Kerrang! delivered straight to your inbox three times a week. What are you waiting for?