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Tepid splashes and mighty typhoons: Examining 70000 Tons of Metal’s (post) pandemic proxemics
- Source: Metal Music Studies, Volume 10, Issue Metal and COVID-19, Jun 2024, p. 123 - 144
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- 21 Feb 2024
- 31 May 2024
- 26 Sep 2024
Abstract
Once per year in January, the 70000 Tons of Metal cruise hosts 60 heavy metal bands and 3000 fans for a five-day, four-night excursion to a Caribbean destination. Hosting passengers from as many as 75 different nations at its peak, the cruise plays an important role in uniting heavy metal artists, their fans and artists’ respective management and recording labels on an international scale. After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the eleventh voyage occurred from 30 January to 3 February 2023. This article presents the results of a proxemics study conducted during the 2023 70000 Tons of Metal cruise, measuring fan concert engagement as influenced by COVID-19 precautions and limitations by observing passenger attendance and behaviour during dual indoor and outdoor performances. The results suggest how COVID-19 may continue to affect live performances, with particular consideration of how an indoor or outdoor setting may alter public participation in such events.