A lack of major international artists due to COVID-19 is continuing to decimate New Zealand's live music industry, with musicians and their crews among those worst-affected by the pandemic.
But for some there is a silver lining. The gap has been opening doors for popular Kiwi talent, offering some relief to our largest venues in much need of concerts.
Now that local live entertainment has returned, it's helping. But without a steady stream of international star power, the tail-end of COVID-19 is still causing a lot of disruption.
"Many parts of the economy have been able to sail through relatively unimpacted, that's certainly not the case for the event sector," Auckland Stadiums CEO James Parkinson told Newshub.
With exemptions granted for performers like The Wiggles and a string of drum and bass acts, why haven't we seen more of the biggest names in the world tour Aotearoa?
"We won't see the type of touring that we are used to until the borders both here in New Zealand and Australia open up," said Parkinson.
"We are a joint Australiasian market and that needs to open up before we see a return of those concerts."
He says the devastation wrought on live entertainment by the pandemic will continue to be felt by the industry for some time.
"The outlook suggests we will continue to be impacted."
Loop Recordings manager and L.A.B manager Mikee Tucker told Newshub without the international acts, some areas will struggle to stay afloat.
"There's many, many organisations that can't survive solely on New Zealand music," he told Newshub.
The silver lining in the meantime is the boost given to local talent.
New Zealand's legendary Auckland's Western Springs Stadium was once reserved for top talent from afar, like international icons Bob Marley and David Bowie.
That was until Six60 made history in 2019 as the first New Zealand act to headline the venue. They did it again last year, but then COVID-19 came along and Western Springs hasn't hosted a gig since.
That's about to change, with reggae-fusion band L.A.B announcing on Tuesday they will have their turn next.
"With the global live industry suffering, New Zealand being able to do live events means local artists have been able to thrive," Tucker said.
"L.A.B were successful and on the path anyway, but having the borders closed to international artists has given not just L.A.B, but many other acts, the opportunity to break through the glass ceiling a bit quicker.
"It's the payoff of a lot of hard work from a band that deserve the success that they're having."
It's one of three shows the band will play during their largest-ever tour in January next year.
"It's going to be epic. There's only one other band in New Zealand that's done that and we want to chase their tail and give it a crack," lead vocalist Joel Shadbolt told Newshub.
"This summer is probably going to be another one where internationals won't get to New Zealand so it's our chance."
"It's hard to believe really," L.A.B keyboardist Miharo Gregory told Newshub. "You dream of playing stadiums and venues like this. It's going to be a crazy night, I'll have to see it to believe it."
Tickets for all shows go on sale July 28.
