A Year Back on Stage: How Live Shows Rebounded After the Pandemic

After a significant hiatus during the peak of COVID-19, live concerts have made a triumphant and emphatic return in 2023. One professional who experienced this resurgence firsthand is a renowned pop music editor, who attended more live shows than anyone else on their team over the past year. Their journey through the resurgence of live music provides a unique glimpse into the industry's recovery.

Live Performances Reemerge

When stadiums and arenas once again opened their doors to full capacity crowds, the atmosphere was electric. Fans, eager to reconnect with the communal experience of live music, returned in droves to watch their beloved artists perform. The return of live shows wasn't just a boon for music enthusiasts; it represented a significant moment for the artists as well, many of whom had spent the pandemic years creating, waiting, and hoping for a chance to reconnect with their audiences.

A Kaleidoscope of Acts

The variety of acts taking the stage post-pandemic was as diverse as the music industry itself. From the timeless energy of bands like the Rolling Stones to the fresh dynamics of acts like 100 gecs, the array of performances spanned genres and generations. Icons such as Madonna and Depeche Mode shared stages with newer artists like SZA, symbolizing both a return to form and a step towards the future of pop music. The live experience also provided a platform for artists like Liz Phair and the Cure to showcase their lasting appeal.

Community and Connection

Beyond the spectacle and excitement, the return of live shows has reinforced the essence of music as a connective force. This era of live concerts has offered fans not just entertainment, but a sense of belonging and shared experience that was deeply missed during the pandemic. The editorial perspective provided by the music editor emphasizes this sentiment, showcasing live music as a powerful and unifying cultural thread.

concerts, resurgence, experience