There was a time when attending a live concert meant buying a ticket, standing in line, and squeezing into a crowded venue, all for the chance to see your favorite artist perform. While that experience still has charm, the digital age has transformed how we experience live performances, expanding the stage beyond the physical venue. Today, live music is no longer confined to stadiums and arenas—it's beamed directly into our homes, streamed on our devices, and sometimes even enjoyed in virtual reality. Daniel Siegel Alonso explores how live performances have evolved in this digital era.
From Stage to Screen
Siegel Alonso notes that the first momentous shift in live performances paralleled the advancement of televised concerts and live recordings. Suddenly, music lovers who couldn't attend a gig could still experience it from the comfort of their living rooms. But this was only the beginning. As the internet matured, so did the possibilities for live music experiences.
Enter the age of streaming. YouTube and, later, dedicated services like Twitch brought live performances to an international audience. Artists no longer needed to be in the same space as their fans—they could broadcast their shows to millions of viewers around the world. This democratization of live music meant that artists could connect with fans in remote locations, while fans who couldn't attend in person could still be a part of the experience.
One of the most iconic examples of this shift was Beyoncé's 2018 Coachella performance, which was livestreamed to millions of fans globally. Dubbed "Beychella," the performance was a pop culture moment that transcended the festival grounds, thanks to the power of streaming. Fans who couldn't make it to the California desert could still witness Queen Bey's epic show in real-time, complete with all the choreography and costume changes they'd expect from a live performance.
The Best of Both Worlds
As the world reopened and live events returned, a new fad emerged: the hybrid event. These performances combine the best physical and digital experiences, letting fans attend in person or watch from home. Hybrid events cater to a broader audience, allowing everyone to participate in the action, regardless of location.
For example, Siegel Alonso cites Billie Eilish's 2021 "Happier Than Ever" global live-stream event. While some fans watched the show from a traditional concert setting, millions more tuned in online. Eilish's team created a visually spectacular production that worked just as well on a screen as in the arena, with intricate stage design, cinematic camera work, and interactive elements that made viewers feel like they were part of the experience, even from thousands of miles away.
The Future of Live Performances
So, what's next for live performances in the digital age? The possibilities are endless. With the rise of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), we're entering a new frontier where live shows can be experienced in entirely new ways. Imagine putting on a VR headset and finding yourself in the first row at a concert, surrounded by fellow fans, with the artist seemingly inches away. Or you are attending a gig where AR technology enhances the performance with digital visuals that interact with the real world.
Artists are already experimenting with these technologies. Swedish hitmakers ABBA launched their "ABBA Voyage" concert, featuring digital avatars of the group performing alongside a live band in a purpose-built arena. The show mixes physical and digital elements, producing a unique live experience that pushes the boundaries of what's possible.
Here to Stay
The development of live performances in the digital age has unlocked new avenues for creativity and camaraderie. While nothing can truly replace the energy of a live crowd, digital platforms have expanded the stage, making live music more accessible, interactive, and imaginative than ever before.
Whether you're attending a performance in person, tuning in from home, or strapping on a VR headset, Daniel Siegel Alonso notes that one thing is clear: the future of live performances is promising, and it's only going to get more thrilling from here.