RSD 2020: Things to Consider Before the First ‘Drop’ Day

Author Erica Banas // Rock Music Reporter

August 28th, 2020 2:30 PM

Record Store Day (RSD), like many events this year, will look very different, but it’s still bringing some amazing titles that music fans have come to expect during its celebration of independent music retailers.

RSD 2020 has been split into three dates or “drops” in order to promote social distancing and mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The first “drop” takes place tomorrow, August 29. The second and third “drops” will take place on September 26 and October 24.

Considering the three-day split, this also means RSD’s big list of various titles will receive staggered releases. Artists with exclusive titles up for grabs tomorrow include The Black Keys, David Bowie, Gary Clark Jr., The Cure, Dio, Emerson Lake & Palmer, Jethro Tull, Judas Priest, Motorhead, Iggy Pop and The Pretenders. A variety of other releases, including regional titles and “RSD firsts,” will also be available. A complete list of of all RSD titles coming out tomorrow can be found here.

Before heading out to your local record store, you should also check in with them — whether via social media or by simply calling them directly — to double-check on how they will navigate tomorrow’s events. Some details to consider and prepare for are:

-A store’s mask policy.
-Whether they will accept cash payments or will only be taking digital or debit/credit payments.
-How many customers they will allow in their store at a time.
-How each store will organize customers in line as they wait to shop.
-Each store’s entrance/exit policy to help with social distancing.

To find a participating retailer near you, head over to RecordStoreDay.com.

No Moshing/Crowd Surfing and 7 Other Changes Likely to be Made at Concerts During COVID-19

• No Moshing/Crowd Surfing.

  Share

  Per the Event Safty Alliance's (ESA) 'Reopening Guide for Event Professionals During the COVID-19 Pandemic,' "Patrons cannot all stand at the front of the stage like they are accustomed; moshing and crowd surfing are violations of social distancing per se and must be absolutely prohibited during this pandemic."

• No Merch Tables/Stands.

  Share

  Instead of buying an artist's t-shirt at a merch stand/booth, it's recommended that "...items for sale can be posted on a web site or event app that allows for mobile ordering and on-site pickup." If there is a merch table/booth present, "Mark merchandise sales lines on floor, with barricade, or rope and stanchion, patrolled by guest services workers to provide information and enforce social distancing." It's also recommended there be no trying on of merch and to have contactless payment.

• Socially-Distanced Smoking Areas.

  Share

  It's recommended that "... even hallways and smoking areas where patrons congregate will have to be monitored to enforce health policies."
• Restrooms will likely have strict person limits.

  Share

  Per the ESA's guide, "Workers should limit occupancy of restrooms to ensure social distancing. Unless portable restroom facilities are added, this will likely result in patrons waiting outside the restroom doors. The area where they are waiting will require monitoring to preserve (a) appropriate space between patrons and (b) an easily discernible line to avoid conflict about where the line begins. 

• Any changes a venue makes needs to be very visible to the public.

  Share

  If a venue makes any changes to policies related to how they handle health and safety issues, they are advised to make them as clear as possible and list them basically everywhere including on their website, social media channels, various ticket purchasing sites, emails/push notifications, their mobile app and signage in their venue. In other words: Get ready for A LOT of updates.

• If there’s an intermission, people won’t be dismissed all at once.

  Share

  Per the ESA's guide, "Intermission presents the same social distancing challenges as ingress [entering a venue] and egress [exiting a venue], with the distinction that some patrons will remain seated. For everyone who chooses to get up, they will have to be led out from back to front, and patrons will not be allowed to congregate inside or outside restrooms or near lobby concession stands. Even with fewer people attending events during the early phase of reopening, intermission may have to be longer than before to allow time for socially distanced patron movement. Given these issues, including how to let some people out of a row while others remain seated, the path of least resistance may simply be shorter shows with no intermission."
• Getting a drink will be even more of a process.

  Share

  In addition to there being a recommended worker for just ringing up drink orders, "At a self-service restaurant or concession stand, the number of counter staff should be limited consistent with social distancing. Workers should place food and beverages on the table, counter, or other surface rather than handing purchases directly to patrons...Bartenders should model safe behavior by wearing a face covering and gloves when they are behind the bar...Patrons should hold their own identification for bartender inspection. If a worker must handle a patron’s ID, the worker should then dispose of their gloves and wash their hands before resuming service."

• Musicians on stage may have to abide by social distancing rules.

  Share

  Per the ESA's guide, "The authoritative guidance requiring not less than six feet (two meters) of social distance may have to be expanded for singers and musical instrument players. Musicians often breathe deeply and expel aerosols further than people engaged in non-physical activities. Their performance space, including on stage and in orchestra pits, should be arranged to maximize social distancing while allowing at least some of them to perform together."  

Sign me up to for the BENefits Club email newsletter!

Make sure that you’re a member of one of Philadelphia’s most fun groups: The 95.7 BEN-efits Club to get concert and contest info, local and music news, and so much more straight to your inbox!

First Name *

Last Name

Email *

Subscribe

By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.

Author Erica Banas // Rock Music Reporter

Category:

• 95.7 BEN FM
• Music

Tags:

Record Store Day