Services that livestream big-name artist concerts are becoming widely available amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Through such services, which attract a fee, viewers can not only enjoy music without going to venues, but also appreciate staging concepts that are only available online.
--Reasonable ticket prices
Instead of holding their annual open-air summer event, the four members of popular rock band Tube livestreamed a concert for the first time from Yokohama Stadium on Sept. 5.
A ticket for the online event was 3,000 yen per person, which is less than half the price of a ticket to their concerts held at venues with an audience. Those who watched could post comments on a display during the concert, which attracted nearly 3,000 posts, such as "The summer has come" and "Both the visual and sound was better than expected."
During the performance, the group jumped together at the end of their signature song, "Ah, Natsuyasumi" (Oh, summer holidays). As a gesture of unity with the viewers, it was suggested by Tube vocalist Nobuteru Maeda, who reportedly told the members, "Let's do it together, but make sure we don't disturb the neighbors."
As of the end of May, according to an estimate by Pia Research Institute, the pandemic will force the cancellation or postponement of more than 430,000 concerts and sports matches by January next year. Instead of holding concerts at venues, many artists are shifting into cyberspace. Since spring, big-name acts, such as Southern All Stars and Misia, have livestreamed performances for a fee.
--Using CGI
At least 10 livestreaming services have newly started since spring and apart from streaming concerts, they also offer users viewing experiences that can only be had online.
PayPerView, which is run by online TV station Abema, has a strength in combining composite images of computer graphics and live-action images of artists, which makes it seem like they are singing in virtual reality.
Line Live-Viewing, a streaming service provided by free messaging smartphone app Line, stands out with its money-throwing-like function. Viewers can support their favorite acts by using virtual coins purchased from the site.
--Allure of rare videos
Users can watch content from most streaming sites on computers or via smartphone apps. To find schedules, search multiple streaming sites, or search with artists' names or keywords online.
Here are three steps to enjoying a livestream concert.
1. Register with a livestreaming service
2. Log in and purchase a ticket
3. Access the livestream service when the concert starts.
Users can purchase related merchandise depending on the service and artist.
Big-name artists' concerts are usually streamed by multiple services. Sometimes, not only the concerts, but also videos of previous concerts that have never been made public before, are available as well. Users can also access the service when they want to relive the excitement.
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