Flaming Lips were the band trailblazers to embrace ‘a new kind of gig’ during the pandemic – with the weird and wonderful.

But why are we in those things and is this set to stay?

In a first for many, The Flaming Lips – who are known for singles such as, Do you Realize?? and Race for the Prize – are the first band telling everyone who had doubts – that we CAN enjoy live music this year – just have to do it in a massive Zorb ball.

_____________________

“Do you realize
We’re floating in space”

– The Flaming Lips, Do you Realize??

[Very fitting, eh?]

______________________

Offering water, air conditioning and a sign system to ensure that fans are taken care of – including pissing – the Zorb balls have been rolled into the ‘new normal’ for enjoying live music in 2021, while also adhering to social distancing guidelines – which is even better.

Not only that, but they also have a fancy “high frequency supplemental speaker” inside so the music cannot be heard without that annoying muted sound – a bit like when someone has their hands over your ears.

Almost providing a twist and added adventure to the normality of seeing a gig, it has certainly lifted people’s spirits in seeing live music sooner rather than later.

To be perfectly honest, I had my doubts in regards to fire safety concerns, but once I shredded the rule book of responsibility up, it looks just like a load of fun, and that’s all we’re looking for really.

Whether or not we can acclimatise to a festival setting, is another story. With Glastonbury 2021 cancelled for another year, many avid fans may be seeing this as an excuse to try out this approach.

As long as we pick the right venues with another space for set up before hand and the corresponding staff adhere responsibly, I don’t see why not this idea cannot be replicated with other gigs and artists?

Hmm .. what are your thoughts with this one?

This seems to be a more acceptable compromise for the rest of the world to take on board for live music and events – let’s not talk about New Zealand shall we? …

20,000 people in New Zealand attend biggest concert since lockdown