Earlier this month, there was a page six article announcing that The Chainsmokers, whom I previously described as a “smelly fraternity house whose desire to become a real boy was granted by a wicked wizard,” would headline a concert. this month at a Driving Fundraiser in the Hamptons. With supporting acts such as Southampton City Supervisor Jay Schneiderman, singer-songwriter Matt White, and Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon, the “Safe & Sound” benefit promised strict safety precautions. In addition to those who are mandated to stay in their cars for the show (except to use the bathroom), there will be temperature controls, extra security, and mandatory masks when using the bathrooms. Even The Chainsmokers themselves would distance themselves socially on stage.
What could go wrong?
The Chainsmokers had a “Drive-in” concert in the Hamptons last night … it seems like social distancing was enforced hard 🤦🏻♂️ … when New York gets the inevitable raise, just blame these selfish white people and rich
Via IG: adamalpert pic.twitter.com/yLe1XaE0hS
– Icculus The Brave (@FirenzeMike) July 26, 2020
The event took place on Saturday night at Nova’s Ark Project, a 100-acre site in the Water Mill. “Safe zones” were designated where cars were allowed to enter, which were supposed to have a maximum of 4-6 persons.
According to Bloomberg, the Winklevoss twins were among the celebrities seen at the event. They said the parking spots cost up to $ 25,000, and the top level included a conditioned RV and a private bathroom.
Bloomberg added a few more details about the event that might interest him: “Valets dressed in white polo shirts and khaki pants found ways to be helpful, such as preventing the Surf Lodge vehicle from backing up on some beach chairs while their driver tried to maneuver into one place (the white lines that outlined them had been sprayed on Friday.) Others in golf carts left ice packs so that guests could keep their drinks cold. (A team of two ran from vehicle to refrigerator, row by row, under a scorching sun with cans of Red Bull and BrightFox.) “
Whatever happens, social distancing seemed to collapse sometime in the night. And as you can see in the video below, which gives a clearer view of where the cars were located, a lot of people seem to have left their cars and pushed onto the stage.
hahaha * scream * hahaha pic.twitter.com/CJrmNWdotx
– Lauren Lipsay (@laurenlipsay) July 27, 2020
Adam Alpert, CEO of Disruptor Records, who signed and helped form The Chainsmokers (introduced the two members), bragged about the event’s safety on Instagram, saying the group “paved the way again” (why did they pave the road before??) He said 600 cars and 3,000 people attended. She was also the person who posted the video above, which showed tons of people partying without a car in sight.
The law is wild … pic.twitter.com/YJZbguMP9N
– Black Lives Matter (@humanatii) July 27, 2020
On the positive side, the event raised money to be donated to No Kid Hungry, Children’s Medical Fund of New York and Southampton Fresh Air Home. On the downside, this is another reminder of why live music concerts can’t work in the midst of a pandemic.
According to a brochure delivered at the event, The Chainsmokers threaten to hold similar live events in at least five other cities, including Miami, LA, Nashville, Chicago, and Atlanta.
Gothamist has reached out to Alpert, Governor Cuomo’s office, and In The Know Experience, the event’s producers, to comment on the benefit of this weekend. We will update when we receive a response.
