Shell Freedom Over Texas event airs without live audience but maskless crowd at venue leaves Internet confused
Shell Freedom Over Texas has been a tradition but due to coronavirus pandemic this year, things have been done a little differently. With social distancing being imposed, the event was conducted without a live audience. The show was broadcast on ABC13 and could also be streamed on abc13.com or the ABC13 news app. "We will celebrate Houston's diversity and America's Freedom at the city's signature Independence Day event in a new way," Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said, as reported by ABC 13.
The event taking place at Buffalo Bayou had a line up of great artists such as Houston Symphony, Pat Green, Lyle Lovett, Sara Evans, Josh Turner, La Mafia, Hunter Hayes, Trae The Truth, Bun B Mariachi Imperial De America and Los Luzeros De Rioverde. Even though people were not able to be physically present at the event, they managed to enjoy the event by watching it from the comfort of their homes.
However, some of the footage broadcasted had people confused. As the event took place, in between, the show broadcasted footage of several people sitting on the grass and enjoying the concert. The video also showed how people were not following social distancing and neither were they wearing masks.
Concerned viewers were quick to slam the event and question the people who decided to attend it. "#FreedomOverTexas Nice. I heard there was a concert going on in Houston, Texas, with no social distancing nor mask-wearing whatsoever. Texas is spiking almost as bad as Florida. And they're doing this? Welcome to the shithole, Texas," one user questioned. Another wrote, "Really? #freedomovertexas is live from Houston??" along with a picture that showed people enjoying the event. "So embarrassing so many ppl I’ve seen on TV at this concert and no mask and no social distancing WTF," wrote another.
However, ABC 13 was quick to make it clear that the show was broadcasted on television and the footage of people was from the old events. While the viewers were relieved to find this out, many thought it would have been better had ABC wrote a disclaimer that stated the footage was an old one.