Another Form of "Concert"`

As we all already know, COVID-19 has provoked massive distancing measures to be taken in order t cut the risk and flatten the curve. Meanwhile this Saturday was another version of a virtual concert
One World: Together at Home' concert show brings musicians ...

What is it?

 The "One World: Together at Home," while not being a benefit concert, was put together for a way for fans to enjoy music from their favorite artists as the COVID-19 pandemic has halted the touring schedule of many. The "concert" is filmed in living room(s) of each artist or band member.

Who Were the Performers?

 There are one too many performers to list here immediately, but the big names were: Lady Gaga, The Rolling Stones, Lizzo, Jennifer Lopez, and Taylor Swift - among others. The show was sponsored by Global Citizen - a non-profit organization, and broadcast on major TV networks as well as YouTube.

How Is The Perfromance Structured?

 Take a look at this performance of The Rolling Stones performing "You Can't Always Get What You Want." Notice how the four primary Stones (Jagger, Richards, Watts, and Wood) each performed from their own living rooms and the view is set up simillar to that of the popular TV Series 24. Essentially, you see the band members at the same time EVEN THOUGH they are not in the same room.

Why Is/Isn't This Effective?

 For one thing, this is effective as it almost provides a VR take on a concert without the risk of hearing loss, moving through crowds, and even ticket sell-outs. The viewers can enjoy it wherever they are and it's easy to bring about friends and family to watch together.

However, we have to recognize the downside - and it's a big downside. The experience is not full. If you saw the performance above, you probably noticed that there were no backing vocalists or side members (such as Chuck Leavell) who would normally be on tour with The Stones. A better, but riskier in the case of social distancing, alternative would be to bring the whole band to one large room and perform songs together.

However for solo artists such as Elton John, Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, or even Neil Young, this would work out perfectly.

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