As the live music industry continues to struggle in the face of Covid-19 restrictions, the Tánaiste and Minster for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar has shared his support for efforts to stage socially-distanced gigs – sharing an image on his Twitter of the UK's first major live music event since March.

The Sam Fender concert, which took place last night in front of 2,500 people in Gosforth Park, Newcastle, featured 500 socially-distanced viewing platforms – allowing fans to experience the gig while still adhering to government guidelines.

Taking to Twitter, Varadkar noted that he "hopes this works out", before remarking: "Really miss concerts."

Hope this works out. Really miss concerts

UK's first socially distanced gig took place last night Sam Fender concert - https://t.co/EvQzInJUoK https://t.co/lPTHT2iXUC

— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) August 12, 2020

Several people who responded to Varadkar's post stressed that much more support for the events industry in Ireland was needed during this unprecedentedly difficult time.

Cork-based musician JJ Lee of Messyng and Teletext Records pointed to the hypocrisy of Varadkar's statement, noting that it "might be an idea to fund the wider industry before the whole thing collapses".

might be an idea to fund the wider live music industry before the whole thing collapses so mate https://t.co/nWZvzxcYWP

— JJ (@JJLeeNKY) August 12, 2020

Swimmers Jackson, aka Niall Jackson, also playfully responded to the Tánaiste's post – remarking that "Guestlist doesn't count as going".

Guestlist doesn't count as going.

— Swimmers Jackson (@SwimmersJackson) August 12, 2020

Anne McCoy, who works in PR and artist management, also stressed that "we need to support for all the people in the event's industry first".

We need support for all the people in the event’s industry first #wearethesupportact

— Anne Mc Coy (@annemccoy) August 12, 2020

See more responses below:

Hi @LeoVaradkar.

The #events industry in Ireland is on its knees. We were the first to shut down and we will be the last to resume.

Promoters are looking to do shows. We have the skills to do them safely.

We have planned & managed many events you've attended yourself.

— Mark Breen (@mark_breen) August 12, 2020

Might look at supporting the events industry in the meantime, so there's people left to put gigs on for you.
#wearethesupportact #LetTheMusicPlay #songsfromanemptyroom

— Sam (@sami_sp) August 12, 2020