Lollapalooza Co-Founder Doesn't Expect Live Concerts to Return Until 2022

Marc Geiger discussed the pandemic's effect on live concerts on the Bob Lefsetz Podcast.

The COVID-19 pandemic has already had debilitating effects on the music industry. In recent months, promoters have attempted to put on live concerts complying with social distancing guidelines. However, the return of large-scale live music venues seems unlikely.

Marc Geiger, former global head of music for the William Morris Agency and co-founder of Lollapalooza, joined the Bob Lefsetz Podcast to discuss what needs to happen in order to revitalize the industry. Geiger doesn't expect a return to the norm until "late '21, more likely '22."

"It's my instinct," he said, "that's going to take a while because super-spreader events--sports, shows, festivals, aren't going to do too well when the virus is this present."

A recent New York Times Magazine article noted that though the country is attempting to restart the economy in stages, gatherings like live concerts will be the last types of events to return to normal.

Multiple sports leagues across the world are attempting to resume activities, despite the risks. Dozens of NBA players have tested positive for COVID-19, but the leagues still plan to resume within the upcoming weeks.

"The next six months may be more painful than the last six months," Geiger continued. "And maybe the next six months after that even more so." Geiger believes there will be a "massive amount of bloodshed, bankruptcies, and won't be good for the majority of the industry."

Geiger cites hurdles that need to be cleared, like the question of insurers who would take on the risk of covering festival costs.