The first-ever live concert was held at Eden Park , Auckland's national stadium where sporting events such as international rugby matches are held, attracting an audience of 50,000 people.
While the world is being forced to implement various restrictions due to the spread of the new coronavirus, 50,000 people gathered in New Zealand without masks or social distancing, making it undoubtedly the world's largest music event since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eden Park's first music event
Eden Park, New Zealand's national stadium and largest stadium, opened 121 years ago in 1900. It is located in the center of Auckland, New Zealand's largest city. Since the first sporting event, cricket, was held there in 1903, various sports have been played there, mainly cricket in the summer and rugby in the winter.
Eden Park has hosted the Rugby World Cup finals twice. The All Blacks have an 87% winning rate at Eden Park. They have never lost in the last 40 years, including two draws. It is said to be the toughest stadium for away teams.
Originally built for sporting events, Eden Park has never hosted a music event before, and this is the first time in its 120 years since it was established. In addition, prior to this live performance, it has become the first stadium in New Zealand to be equipped with 5G.
Here's a post from Eden Park showing what it was like on the day of the concert.
It was an incredible night as history was made at Eden Park! Over 50,000 six60 fans packed the venue and a new era began at New Zealand's national stadium.
six60 achieves another feat
The first live performance at Eden Park was by the popular band six60 . Six60 is a national rock band that was the first New Zealand band to sell out concerts twice at Western Springs, a stadium that can accommodate 49,000 people and is an iconic New Zealand stadium. With this live performance, they have made history.
This is a news program broadcast live from the scene just before the concert. People can be seen having fun without masks or social distancing.
Here's a photo posted by six60 of Eden Park packed with people.
Next time someone tells you it's impossible, show them this. Thank you, Oakland.
The world's media is paying attention
The concert was covered by the New York Times, and the country was praised as the only one in the world to be able to hold large-scale concerts since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
▶ New Zealand hosts 50,000 fans in its largest concert since the pandemic began.
New Zealand has kept the number of coronavirus cases to just 2,600 and deaths to 26 thanks to a swift lockdown and border closures.
Few people wear masks, there is no need for social distancing, people are only asked to log in with a QR code in a tracking system (to track where they have been), and disinfectants are available everywhere.
The article also mentions that domestic artists are thriving because border closures have prevented foreign artists from entering the country.
Social media was flooded with comments from people who attended the live show.
Dear rest of the world. This is what things can look like post covid. @SIX60 in concert @edenparknz -
— Kevin Blyth (@kevinblyth1872) April 24, 2021
Great night out! 😁 pic.twitter.com/6K7DtGRE1p
To everyone around the world (outside of NZ). This is what it looks like post-COVID. Amazing night!
Feeling blessed to be a New Zealander. Not many places in the world right now where about 50,000 can safely come together and enjoy an awesome show. #Six60 #edenpark pic.twitter.com/CnhXcB0ZNy
— Laird Cameron (@cameroncologist) April 24, 2021
"I'm grateful to be a New Zealander. There are few places in the world where 50,000 people can gather together to enjoy a live show.
New Zealand is leading the way. I hope we can see the same in Japan as soon as possible.
