Live Nation cancels Drive-In show series due to "concerns over localised lockdowns"

The Utilita Live From The Drive-In series was only announced last month, confirming outdoor, socially distanced shows from The Streets, Dizzee Rascal, Kaiser Chiefs, Gary Numan, Beverley Knight, Jack Savoretti, The Snuts, Sigala, Nathan Dawe, Ash, Tony Hadley, and more.

The drive-in shows are a collaboration between Live Nation and Utilita Energy, and would've seen the artists perform across 12 UK venues.

However, this afternoon, Live Nation's Live From The Drive-In series page on their site disappeared, and hours later, both Utilita Energy and Live Nation have confirmed that the show series has been cancelled due to concerns over developments of local lockdowns with the coronavirus pandemic.

A statement on the Utilita Energy site reads: "Utilita Live From The Drive-In series will no longer take place in the summer of 2020. We had worked tirelessly on exciting plans for what was promising to be a fantastic couple of months of entertainment across the UK. However, we fully understand and support the necessary decision to cancel due to concerns over localised lockdowns."

Skindred, one of the bands that were expected to perform the show series, have also confirmed the news, and shared a statement from Live Nation via their Instagram post, "We are gutted to announce the cancellation of our upcoming drive-in shows. Sadly, all of Live Nations scheduled live at the drive-in shows have been cancelled due to the reasons below. We can only hope that we can find a way to rock with you all in the near future. All ticket holders will be fully refunded. Please see below a statement from Live Nation."

The statement from Live Nation on Skindred's post reads, "The Live From The Drive In concert series will no longer proceed as planned this summer. We received huge support from artists, the live music production contractors, our headline sponsor Utilita along with our other partners, and of course you, the fans. However the latest developments regarding localised lockdowns mean it has become impossible for us to continue with the series with any confidence."

Live Nation add, "We thank everyone for their support and eagerly await a time when we can watch live music together again. Full refunds will be issued directly to all ticket holders within the next seven days."

View this post on Instagram

We are gutted to announce the cancellation of our upcoming drive-in shows. Sadly, all of Live Nations scheduled live at the drive-in shows have been cancelled due to the reasons below. We can only hope that we can find a way to rock with you all in the near future. All ticket holders will be fully refunded. Please see below a statement from Live Nation. Promoter statement: “The Live From The Drive In concert series will no longer proceed as planned this summer. We received huge support from artists, the live music production contractors, our headline sponsor Utilita along with our other partners, and of course you, the fans. However the latest developments regarding localised lockdowns mean it has become impossible for us to continue with the series with any confidence. We thank everyone for their support and eagerly await a time when we can watch live music together again. Full refunds will be issued directly to all ticket holders within the next 7 days.”

A post shared by Skindred (@skindredmusic) on Jul 15, 2020 at 9:04am PDT