Performing in isolation: Artists utilize virtual concerts

MAURA CHANEY, Entertainment Editor

     Since the news regarding the COVID-19 outbreak across the globe, many musicians have postponed their tours, or overall canceled them. However, some artists have utilized virtual concerts to give their fans an at home concert experience. 

     Since March, artists have announced their cancelation of shows, and since then, the list has grown. Artists including Def Leppard, Harry Styles, The 1975, Louis Tomlinson, Kesha, Little Mix, Niall Horan, and more have taken it to social media to let fans know their tours for the year have been postponed or canceled completely. Although the decision was a seemingly tough one for the performers, an experience growing in popularity is virtual concerts. 

     Virtual concerts offer an experience not only for fans, but for the performers, allowing them to safely perform a concert from their location, and fans can watch from home after purchasing a virtual ticket to the show. Miley Cyrus, All Time Low, John Legend, and Liam Payne have given their fans multiple virtual concerts since the cancelation of tours, and there are more to come. 

     All Time Low has given their fans five different dates in which they can purchase tickets for virtual concerts from October to December. The band took it to Twitter to share their gratitude after the first show on Oct 9, saying “Genuinely felt so good to connect with you all last night. Wherever you are in the world, thanks for being part of something uniquely 2020 with us. Stuff like this lets me know we’re all gonna be ok.” The band also offered an upgrade on tickets that allowed fans to have a short virtual meet and greet before the show. 

     Liam Payne has now done two virtual concerts, a third occurring Oct 31, called the LP Show,  where fans can see him performing songs from his debut album, and some classic One Direction songs. The first show in July, the second in August, the third on Halloween. All money raised from tickets will be going to charities. Senior Caroline Ulmer, a two time attendee of the LP Shows, had this to say about her experience. “Virtual concerts are so fun! It is such a good way to see your favorite artist and get content while still being safe and not spending as much money!”