It is official: Berghain is cancelling its events due to the coronavirus pandemic. One of the most notorious nightclubs in the world and never closes is going to close until April 20th (coincidence?).
All ‘self-produced events’ hosted by the club will be halted until spring because it is in the best interest of everyone’s health. This includes their staff, artists, and guests. News of this came from Trauma Bar Und Kino announcing their close until the end of March. Hopefully, spring rains out the virus and brings clear skies for the industry.
For now, here is a look back at the global impact the COVID-19 has caused:
January
- Mass cancellations and closings of festivals and venues across Asia
February
- Swiss Federal Council banned events with 1,000 people or more. Club promoters and clubs adjust programming to operate under the capacity limit.
March
- Ultra Music Festival Miami and Get Lost Miami cancel
- France’s Tomorrowland Winter gets cancelled by their government
- Moroccan government postpones Marrakech festival, Beat Hotel due to a ban on large gatherings
- SXSW cancelled the dates and consequently had to lay off their staff
- Italy places its entire country on lockdown under Prime Minister Giuseppe Conti’s orders. There is a prohibition on non-essential travel, and closure of nightclubs, venues, gyms, and gathering spaces.
- Coachella and Stagecoach announce their postponement to October due to four active cases in Riverside County
- Winter Music Conference is cancelled following news of Ultra and Get Lost
Plus much, much more not mentioned here, but developing still. Live Nation stocks are taking a hit. Barcelona, Dublin, Estonia, and other countries are setting restrictions and bans on their country as well. No one is flying out and limited people are flying in. Artists have been cancelling their tour dates.
I think the most important thing to do right now is not to panic. Isolate yourself if you experience flu-like symptoms and seek treatment. But remember that immuno-compromised populations serve as the main target. Containment is key in this situation.
We know this is causing a huge hit for the industry right now. Things might get worse before they get better. We wait with bated breath for EDC Las Vegas’s future.