A charity concert featuring The Chainsmokers is being investigated after footage appeared to show fans ignoring social distancing regulations.
The concert, called Safe & Sound, took place on Saturday night in the Hamptons and was billed as a “drive-in music experience”.
But video taken from the stage showed crowds of people outside their cars, standing in close proximity.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo said he was “appalled” by the footage.
Announcing an investigation into the concert, Cuomo wrote: “We have no tolerance for the illegal and reckless endangerment of public health”.
The state’s health commissioner, Dr Howard A. Zucker, said he was “greatly disturbed” by reports that the concert “involved thousands of people in close proximity, out of their vehicles, [in] a VIP area where there was no pretence of a vehicle, and generally not adhering to social distancing guidance”.
‘Rampant violations’
In a letter addressed to the supervisor of the town of Southampton, where the concert was held, Dr Zucker demanded a report into the event, with a 24-hour deadline.
“I am at a loss as to how the Town of Southampton could have issued a permit for such an event, how they believed it was legal and not an obvious public health threat,” Dr Zucker wrote in the letter.
He also asked: “Why was it allowed to continue when it became clear violations were rampant?”
The town supervisor, Jay Schneiderman, who was also listed as a performer at the concert, acknowledged that “aspects of the event violated the permit”.
“They opened up a VIP area that was not part of the concert” approved by the town, he told the local newspaper Newsday. “We would never have approved a gathering area.”
The event’s organisers, In The Know Experiences and Invisible Noise, said in a statement that they had followed “all proper and current protocols,” with attendees assigned to designated areas, spaced two metres apart.
Guests’ temperatures were checked and “security guards regularly patrolled the area to encourage mask wearing and promote social-distancing guidelines,” they added.
Speaking to Buzzfeed news, the organisers added that dividers separated parties in the contested VIP area, and that “guests were also instructed that they would not be allowed to leave their designed spots for any reason other than to use the restroom”.
Concert-goers who spoke to Buzzfeed also said they “felt very safe” and that fellow fans were “being responsible” during the show.
An estimated 2,000 people attended the gig, with ticket prices ranging from $850 (£661) to $25,000 (£19,450). Proceeds went to charity, according to the event’s website.
Other performers at the event included the chief executive of Goldman Sachs, David M. Solomon, under his stage name DJ D-Sol.
The investigation into the Safe & Sound concert comes as the UK government holds “pilot shows” to test how live music could resume after the Covid-19 lockdown.
Last week, Beverley Knight played to a reduced-capacity audience at London’s Palladium theatre; while indie musician Frank Turner will play a similar show at the Clapham Grand on Tuesday.
https://twitter.com/TheGrandClapham/status/1287484085632413700
However, plans for a major tour of drive-in gigs, featuring acts like The Streets, Kaiser Chiefs, Dizzee Rascal and Sigala were recently called off, with organisers saying the “latest developments over local lockdowns” meant they couldn’t proceed “with any confidence”.
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Entertainment Gists
Meet the Man Who Turned Hype Into a Science: Emmy Blaq, Nigeria’s G.O.A.T. of Hype
If you have ever been at a Nigerian event and found yourself on your feet before the main act even stepped on stage, there is a good chance a hype man was responsible. But not just any hype man. Emmy Blaq, born Ikechukwu Emmanuel Chima and raised in Auchi, Edo State, has spent the last few years quietly becoming the most talked-about name in that profession, and the Nigerian press has taken notice. Punch, Vanguard, The Guardian Nigeria, The Nation, and Independent Newspaper have all sat down with him, and every conversation leads back to the same thing: this man does not just make noise; he makes moments.
What makes Emmy Blaq different is the journey behind the energy. Before the stages, the collaborations with Waje on her “Waje 2.0” album, DJ Consequence, and DJ Kaywise on the massively streamed “Joor Party Mix” series, he was repairing generators, cutting hair, and sewing clothes in Auchi. His first professional hype gig happened at a local fast food spot called Valchi, and the crowd response that night changed everything. He told The Nation directly: “My passion for entertainment and desire to make people happy led me into the craft.” Punch also captured his bigger mission when he said that hype men deserve more than what they currently earn, a statement that sparked a real conversation across Nigerian entertainment circles.
With over 1.7 million TikTok followers, 23.6 million TikTok likes, a viral “Wife Material” challenge that landed on Pulse Nigeria’s top ten social media moments of 2021, and an international performance at the Cameroon International Music Festival that Cameroonian media described as electrifying, Emmy Blaq is not building toward something. He is already there. The G.O.A.T. of Hype is not a title he gave himself and hoped would stick. It is one the rooms keep confirming every single time he grabs the mic.
MANAGER PROFILE
Uncle Wisdom is a Lagos-based music executive and visionary leader known for blending structure, strategy, and creativity in artist management. With a background in Mathematics and Statistics from UNICROSS formerly, Cross River University Of Technology. He brings analytical precision into talent development, positioning artists for both creative excellence and commercial success.
CAREER JOURNEY
Began his career in 2017 as an event coordinator for Eksu Olofofo, where he gained foundational experience in live events and audience engagement. By 2018, he transitioned into full-time artist management, driven by a clear goal to build a more structured and results-oriented system within the music industry.
In 2019, Started working as a road manager for Barry Jhay, gaining hands-on experience in touring, logistics, and artist operations, a refined career and mental awareness coach . He was also instrumental behind Barry Jhay’s 2025 sold-out homecoming concert, a key moment that fueled momentum for a successful UK tour, including sold-out shows in London and Birmingham.
PHLOX MGMT
Founded from the ground up, Phlox Mgmt is a forward-thinking management company focused on Career coaching, A&R, artist development, and strategic positioning. The company is built on a clear philosophy:
Develop the sound. Define the brand. Position the artist to win.
Phlox Mgmt has connections with @Roadgod_of Roadgod Agency and connects artists with top-tier producers, engineers, and creatives, ensuring a refined sound and strong market presence. The company continues to grow as a trusted platform for emerging and established talent.
INDUSTRY NETWORK & COLLABORATIONS
Uncle Wisdom has built valuable relationships across the industry, working with and alongside talents such as:
Barry Jhay • Asake • Ceeza Milli • Berri Tiga • Laime • Spellz • and many others
LEADERSHIP APPROACH
John Wisdom operates with a long-term vision, focusing on structure, consistency, and execution. His approach goes beyond traditional management he builds systems around artists that support sustainable growth, strong branding, and global competitiveness.
CONTACT & SOCIALS
Instagram & X: @Johnwisdm @phlox_mgmt
TikTok: @unclewisdom7
Email: phloxentertainment@gmail.com
Phone: 08038448478 | 09015668027
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