Are online concerts here to stay?

[satoori]

Are online concerts here to stay?

The unprecedented effects of the COVID-19 virus have left the world reeling as it tries to cope while restoring a semblance of normality. One such effort towards recreating what once was is the soaring rise of online content, especially online concerts. The usual summer is packed with concerts and music festivals yet the summer of 2020 was looking bleak in all ways imaginable until online concerts swooped in for the rescue. While these are obviously no equal alternative to real concerts, they’re a good enough supplement to keep the presence of an artist relevant while also boosting the morale of millions of people all across the world who need that little pick me up from their favorite artists to make it through difficult times.

The first and possibly the biggest advantage of an online concert is the fact that it is not spatially bound. The world truly becomes a stage, much like Shakespeare had predicted. With the internet reaching almost every corner of the world, concerts also reach a worldwide audience in the same instance. In essence, what this means is, an entire world tour is condensed to one single online concert. Therefore, the expenses incurred by said concert are also marginally lower than a real concert. This allows for an expansion in the budget which accounts for the costs of live streaming equipment, multi-view screens, special effects, stage lights, and other such paraphernalia. The cast and crew employed for actual concerts can still have work on their hands even if they’re not physically organizing a concert for an online concert requires just as much effort and production value. Another factor that adds to the budget for an online concert is ticket sales. As there are no limits to how many people can tune in to attend the concert, there are no limits to ticket sales. Usually, during online K-Pop concerts, there is almost always an interactive session that is planned in order to enhance the factor of proximity and closeness even if fans and artists are miles apart. Rookie groups that are holding online fan meetings and concerts such as The Boyz and ONEWE are also advertising themselves and their concert experiences. A fan that attends an online concert is much more likely to attend a live one whenever time allows for it in the future.

BTS 'Bang Bang Con [The Live]' was an immense success and strategically planned right after testing out the “live concert” medium via Bang Bang Con weekend concerts a while before announcing the live version. The former Bang Bang Con was carried out via live streaming 8 of BTS’ past concerts over the weekend of April 18-19, 2020. The eight-part concert series was available to stream for free on BTS’ official Youtube channel BANGTAN TV. The overwhelming success of this series perhaps provided a calculated gauge of the numbers that could be taken into consideration for a completely never seen before online concert's. This was the next logical step as it was announced soon after that BTS would be holding their first-ever online concert Bang Bang Con: The Live on June 14, 2020. Over 756,600 ARMYs came together over 107 countries for this much-needed boost of positivity amid a global crisis. The concert featured a 14 song set-list with endearing segments of the pre-recorded breaks and talk show like segments peppered in. The content was paid for but it still attracted the largest audience for a paid virtual concert ever. 

During this time, SM announced that Beyond LIVE would launch with a series of online live concerts for four of its most prominent boy groups: SuperM, WayV, NCT Dream, and NCT 127. Super M’s 'Beyond The Future' concert had already been broadcast live on April 26, 2020, via the V-Line app in over 109 countries. This was followed by NCT Dream, WayV, and NCT 127, giving NCTzens all over the world an opportunity to watch their favorite artists up close and personal, almost as if every one of them had front row tickets to an actual concert.

Fans were amazed by how incredible the stage effects and use of SFX was arranged to give the concert a 4D feel. Twitter was flooded by tweets of just how amazing the production value was which perhaps wouldn’t be achievable for a real concert. It was no surprise however that Neo Culture Technology would come through with the most innovative ways to make a virtual concert top tier. 

Interactive challenges integrated into the program allowed artists to chat with fans in real-time while also seeing their reactions. It is absolutely precious to see fans talk directly with their idols as well as vice versa. A simple moment turns to something you remember for the rest of your life. The internet never dies, so, in a sense, that moment is locked in time forever.

On the other side of the screen, however, the compromise is of the same degree. Nothing can replace the energy and hype of performing in front of a live crowd but the significance of being able to do something that brightens even one person’s day surely fills them with enough gratitude to make them want to do this over and over again if need be. Even more, than being a way to promote, a concert is a strangely spiritual experience where artists get to come together with fans whose lives they might have changed in ways unimaginable. Similarly, having the career of an artist and creating music is healing and life-changing to the artists as well. What comes from all of this is the fact that while real concerts are undoubtedly irreplaceable, online concerts are contributing hugely to maintaining the collective sanity of artists and consumers all over the world. Keeping this in mind, it certainly seems justifiable for online concerts to live on long after the virus is gone. A whole new avenue has just opened up for sharing art and it would be a pity if artists let go of it.

SBS has already announced their 2020 Super Concert ‘2020 Super On:tact’ with an incredible line up of artists including ITZY, STRAY KIDS, and Monsta X on the first day itself, and fans are eagerly anticipating the announcement of other artists to come. A concert that could previously be attended by Koreans only is now open to the world. The Boyz are all set to greet their fans with 'The Boyz Online Concert: [RE:AL]' in September 2020, AB6IX’s online concert ‘SO VIVID’ is almost here, due to take place on 12th of September 2020 and IZ*ONE is also preparing hard for their online concert ‘ONEIRIC THEATRE’ on September 13, 2020. 

With new live events and concerts coming up every other day, we sincerely hope fans across the world will stay safe and well in the comfort of their own homes.

[Your Biggest Fan]

Personally I think it would be a smart idea to keep having online concerts in the "after times". There are so many fans across the world that'll never get to attend a concert in person. That means there's a whole lot of money these companies are missing out on. Still have live concerts, but also do some online ones as well. As the article says, there are pros and cons but for people who'd probably never get to a concert at all what choice do they have? And when we're all able to meet in person again why not invite your friends over to watch the concert with you? Have a party!

[rananicolee]

I think this is a good idea honestly.

I didn't watch KPOP concerts online so I can't speak for them.

But, Behemoth held an online concert this past weekend in a church in Poland. (They're a Satanic band so it was very symbolic and blasphemous like they wanted.) Online concerts allow many artists to be more creative. Lamb of God had an online "live" concert during their album release and it was in their homes.

Online concerts allows for fans across the world to be able to see their favorite bands. It was so fun watching Lamb of God "live" especially since I haven't seen them live in 13 years. 

Edited September 11, 2020 by rananicolee

[Isbell]

I'm surprised people liked this idea even after covid? I'd hate it if it stays. 

Nothing could replace the feeling of euphoria and the adrenaline that a live (as in being physically there) concert gives you. 

Also, for me, it'd be easy to buy a plane ticket and concert ticket than having a decent internet connection please, my country has the second worst internet connection in the region. I won't be able to watch a live concert decently. 

[harumaki]

I dont think covid will end anytime soon so online concerts are a good idea for now. Not the same feeling as being in an actual concert tho ;;

[canis lupus]

i'd still prefer to attend a concert live

there's the issue of pirating or link-sharing to watch an online concert illegally

but i do agree that online concerts are great to watch because of the special effects and camera work to get closeups of the artists, which we don't get when we watch in person. but this is what the concert dvd is for! lmao i'd watch the concert live, and then purchase the dvd if i can and want to!

[Guest]

it will probably continue as a mix of online and offline concerts in the future! They both have pros and cons for artists and fans.

IMO nothing can beat the raw experience of live concerts but they can be difficult to attend or too expensive for some. Online concerts offer a different experience for sure but can reach a broader audience and are more easily accessible. 

[lighterxx]

I watched caratland online, with options of multiscreen aka you choose a member and it will only show him.

I will say, hm for fans its very frustrating due to connection. But from what I saw it just makes trouble for boys? Like they feel awkward to act like in a concert Infront of absolutely nothing.

I think companies can make online AND offline concerts, like cocnert where audience exists, and for a cheaper price you get to watch it online

It would greatly help int fans o.o

[deobizone]

Honestly .. id like to buy ticket for izone but then i rmr a few things

1) a few yrs ago i bought sticker set on vlive and it was a pain bc my bank froze my acc for buying sumn ig on korean service.. i assume would be same on buying ticket TT

2) I work 4-12 sat nights & 9-3 sunday mornings itd be well honestly ill prolly be sleeping or should be anw.(its 4am for me i think or around there. I honestly even overtime work to that time too =/) It kinda makes me sad tho bc i wanna support ig but then would feel bad looking for clips ill just stick listening to their music nonstop as ive been

3) i was looking at guides to ig verify ticket and its just like meh icba. I have to think ab it some more but i prolly wont buy one cuz my mind is so back and forth.

 

Im also so bad with like the word for this is escapimg me but i have a lot of money saved so i can afford like "spoiling" myself in a way but feel like sht after for wasting(ish) money.. so ik id buy like one of those pkg that comes with like a cup or photocards 

 

In general tho its cool for now but idk i can't guess but i think in general its hard to say bc i think in person wilk be just way more focused on to bother with online. But hooefully its kept up

Edited September 11, 2020 by q and hyunjae luvr

[WujuLike]

I watched some of (G)I-dle's stages after their concert but I felt like paying money to see them perform online was a waste since I can watch music show stages/year end performances for free whenever I want. I would much rather go to a real concert, the experience is so special.

However, I think online concerts are here to stay since it is a way for the artists to make money without having to travel around the world, and they can reach fans in countries they would never travel to.

[My Everything]

I want this stay only for Kpop fans who know their bias will never come to their country 

[Nev Schulman]

So overpriced fancams? Nah I am good. Great for times like this but it's nothing more than an overpriced fancam. I am not going to pay to watch an online concert.

 

 

[satoori]

3 minutes ago, Nev Schulman said:

Great for times like this but it's nothing more than an overpriced fancam.

Companies started streaming concerts on vlive (paid) even before the pandemic. o.o

 

 

 

[Nev Schulman]

On 9/13/2020 at 12:33 PM, satoori said:

Companies started streaming concerts on vlive (paid) even before the pandemic. o.o

 

 

 

Never seen those and I don't care for vlive. I ain't paying

[satoori]

15 minutes ago, Nev Schulman said:

Never seen those and I don't care for vlive. I ain't paying

lol yea i didn't expect you to. i was just letting you know that vlive started streaming concerts before covid^^

[Nev Schulman]

19 minutes ago, satoori said:

lol yea i didn't expect you to. i was just letting you know that vlive started streaming concerts before covid^^

Oh no I got you I meant to say I just woule never be interested lol it's all good. Didn’t know vlive had overpriced fancams. I wonder if it earned much. But surely someone put them online somewhere?

[satoori]

41 minutes ago, Nev Schulman said:

Oh no I got you I meant to say I just woule never be interested lol it's all good. Didn’t know vlive had overpriced fancams. I wonder if it earned much. But surely someone put them online somewhere?

(side note: in japan they live stream concerts in theatres too. been doing it for yeeears)

for vlive [naver] they earned quite a bit. a big percentage. it's actually one of the reasons bighit decided to do things on their own or another platform during the covid.

yep there are many "illegal" streaming. which is expected. companies know this too. but the return [profit] is still better than nothing.

[sammydee]

It's basically like watching them perform on inkigayo...but over priced. I'll pass