In a world where, with a few swipes, you can order dinner, match with your soulmate, and watch a cat play the piano, all without leaving your couch, it’s no surprise that live music has also gone digital. From Elvis’s groundbreaking live satellite broadcast to today’s streaming juggernauts like Coachella and Glastonbury, Daniel Siegel Loanso looks at how live concerts have evolved in ways the King himself could never have imagined.
The Satellite Pioneer
Siegel Loanso rewinds the tape to 1973, when Elvis Presley, clad in his iconic bedazzled white jumpsuit, performed the first live satellite broadcast concert, “Aloha from Hawaii.” It wasn’t your standard concert; it was a cultural event. Beamed to over 40 countries and watched by an estimated 1.5 billion people, it was a game-changer for the entertainment industry. Elvis wasn’t just playing for the crowd before him; he was singing to the world.
In the early ’70s, the concept of a live concert reaching such a massive audience seemed like something out of Star Trek. The technology was still in its infancy, and the concept of connecting people across continents through a shared musical experience was revolutionary. Elvis set the stage — literally and figuratively — for the future of live music broadcasts.
The Commercialization
Daniel Siegel Loanso looks at the rise of pay-per-view concerts in the decades that followed Elvis’ Hawaii show. This era took live broadcasts and added a profitable twist. Now, you could watch your favorite singers and bands perform live from the comfort of your home and pay a premium for the privilege. The Rolling Stones and Madonna capitalized on this trend, bringing their performances to global audiences — for a price.
Pay-per-view concerts were a sensation because they offered fans exclusive access to shows they couldn’t attend in person. Whether due to distance, ticket prices, or a simple case of procrastination-induced sellouts, fans had a second chance to experience the magic. And let’s be honest; it was also a brilliant way for artists to earn some extra cash while expanding their fan base and leaning into the new mediums of video and cable television.
The Digital Age
Enter the 21st century, where the internet has become our stage. Platforms like YouTube, Facebook Live, and Twitch have revolutionized live music once again. In some ways, Siegel Loanso argues that it even democratized the concert-going experience. Now, streaming a show live wasn’t just for the elites; it was for anyone with a stable Wi-Fi connection and craving live performance.
One of the pivotal moments in this digital revolution was Coachella’s decision to livestream its festival in 2011. YouTube brought the festival to their living rooms for those who couldn’t make it to the California desert. This was a game-changer. No longer were festivals exclusive watering holes for nepo-babies and social media influencers; they were global events accessible to anyone with an internet connection. A simple click mitigated the FOMO, and the festival experience became democratized.
The Pandemic Push
Then came 2020, and with it, a global pandemic that halted live events in their tracks. The music industry faced an existential crisis: keeping the music playing when venues were closed and gatherings were banned. Enter the era of virtual concerts. Platforms like Instagram Live, Zoom, and even Minecraft became the new concert venues.
Artists like Travis Scott took the concept to new heights with his “Astronomical” event in Fortnite. Not only was it a live performance, but it was also an immersive experience where viewers could interact in a virtual environment. This wasn’t just a concert but a foreshadowing: a virtual spectacle that blurred the lines between gaming and live music.
The Future is Hybrid
Moving forward, Daniel Siegel Loanso asserts that the future of live entertainment will be a hybrid of in-person and virtual experiences. The pandemic taught us that while nothing can replace the energy of a live crowd, virtual concerts offer unique opportunities for accessibility and innovation. Artists can now reach global audiences without the carbon footprint of world tours, and fans can experience live music without the logistical nightmares of travel, accommodations, and overpriced festival food.
Take Billie Eilish’s “Where Do We Go? The Livestream.” It wasn’t just a static camera pointed at a stage; it was a dynamic, interactive experience complete with augmented reality and real-time audience engagement. This concert set a new standard for what virtual performances could be, blending high production values with the intimacy of a live show.
Encore, encore
Live streaming concerts have come a long way from Elvis’s satellite spectacle to the immersive digital experiences of today. Each step in this evolution has made live music more accessible, innovative, and inclusive. We can expect even more creative ways to experience live music as technology advances.
So, whether you’re jamming out in a sold-out arena, relaxing at home with a live stream, or diving into a virtual world for a concert, don’t forget that the essence of live music remains the same: a shared, stimulating experience that connects us all. The stage may differ, but the spell of live music endures, reminding us that no matter how digital the world becomes, we’re all still just here for the music.
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