A three-day mini-festival was held in Wisconsin over the weekend, which raises the big question: do socially distanced shows work? The event kicked off on Thursday (16th) with bands such as Flaw and Saving Abel and ran through Saturday (18th) with acts including, Dope and Static-X. Originally the festival outside the Q&Z Expo Center in Ringle, Wisconsin, was called Herd Immunity.. However, due to the backlash the event received over its name resulted in bands such as Nonpoint to drop off the list, the event changed its name to July Mini-Fest. Footage of Static-X and Dope’s performance can be viewed below:
https://youtu.be/uHo6nbn03e8
https://youtu.be/T6NNWg-kfyE
Before the event, Static-X issued a statement urging fans to wear a mask and to take social distancing seriously.
Read the band’s statement below:
“We are excited to return to the stage this weekend for what will be our first show since March. Obviously, over the last few months a lot has changed in the world, so it is of the utmost importance that we EACH do our part to make this as safe as possible for everyone.
While your community leaders have deemed this to be a safe and acceptable gathering, we would still like to personally ask for each and every one of you to go the extra mile to help everyone remain safe…
We are asking everyone to MASK UP & BACK UP.
DISTANCING:
The promoter has advised that the OUTDOOR site is huge.
It can accommodate 10,000 people, but they have capped ticket sales at 2,000.
This was a huge factor for us agreeing to play.
This means that there is plenty of room for everyone to spread out and be safe.
There are strictly enforcing a NO MOSHING rule and we are in full support of this for obvious reasons.
We are asking that everyone please be respectful of everyone else’s personal space.
We ask that you are conscious of this while watching the show, standing in lines for food, drinks and bathrooms, etc.
WEAR A MASK!
This is a simple request and it will help to ensure your safety, the safety of those around you, and also those at home. Wearing a mask demonstrates that you respect yourself, and it also demonstrates that you respect others.
We will all be wearing masks and we ask that you all do the same.
Please wash your hands, try not to touch your face and use hand sanitizer.
We have been informed that hand sanitizing stations will be available throughout the site.
We all want live shows to return and for things to get back to “NORMAL”.
We want to reiterate that this upcoming show does not fall under the definition of what any of us would consider to be “NORMAL”.
This is a baby step and in many ways this is also a test.
We want you to remember that most places in America are not yet able to have this type of concert experience.
Let’s all go above and beyond, in order to help ensure the health and safety of everyone involved, as well as everyone at home.
Sincerely,
Static-X”
Flaw, as well as the event organizers, addressed the importance of wearing masks and practicing social distancing as it can result in more shows and lead to things slowly returning to normal:
