We’ve been in a COVID-19 affected world for what practically feels like years now. While most of us have adjusted to a life of working at home, socially distancing, and wearing masks, there’s one experience music fans everywhere are still missing: the irreplaceable fun of a live concert. While we grieve all our planned gigs that have either been postponed until 2021 or cancelled outright, the music industry has tried to find news ways of keeping fans engaged in a safe way. Here’s a few artists who are trying to make the best of a bad situation by hosting virtual concerts within the next few months.
- #FIGHTLYME with Avril and Friends
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Not only is our early 2000’s queen and icon Avril Lavigne back and performing, but it’s all for a good cause! The singer was diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2015, and her charity aids others with the disease or other serious illnesses and disabilities. She’ll be joined by other famous artists on October 24, with ticket proceeds going towards the Avril Lavigne Foundation and the Global Lyme Alliance.
- “WHERE DO WE GO?” The Livestream
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October 24 is a busy day for music lovers — if Avril isn’t your thing, Billie Eilish is also hosting a virtual concert! The 18-year-old singer had to cancel her world tour when the coronavirus hit, but according to her Instagram she “can’t wait to be performing again.” Tickets are available now, and they give fans access to some exclusive merch.
- Gorillaz ‘Song Machine Live’
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Cartoon band Gorillaz are performing for the first time in two years to promote their upcoming album, Song Machine: Season One — Strange Timez. The virtual concert, Song Machine Live, is expected to feature former Blur frontman and man-behind-the-band Damon Albarn among some other guests that haven’t yet been announced. It’s safe to say that any guest appearances will be legendary, though, as songs off the new album have featured the likes of Elton John, slowthai, Beck, and much more. Tickets are already on sale for the LiveNow concert happening on the 12 and 13 of December.
- Teenage Cancer Trust — Unseen Series
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If you’re a fan of some older music and helping out good causes, you need to check out the Unseen Series put on by UK charity Teenage Cancer Trust. The charity streams previously unseen concert footage of famous bands performing at the Royal Albert Hall via their Youtube channel. Whether you catch it live or watch later, their lineup this season included Ed Sheeran, Paul McCartney, Pulp, Muse, and much more! While you can view all of these old concerts for free, you can also donate to the cause on their website and enter for a chance to win a signed guitar played by Robert Smith of the Cure.
- All Time Low — Basement Noise Concert Series
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All Time Low are currently in the middle of a series named after a song off their newest album Wake Up, Sunshine, which was released this past April. The shows, which began in early October and span through December, consist of curated setlists by a different member of the band on each day. Fans who purchased tickets for all five shows also gained access to exclusive merch, but even if you’re late to the game, there are plenty more concerts to enjoy!
The coronavirus hit the entire music industry hard; small venues are closing, crews are out of work, and bands have limited opportunities to promote their new projects. Yet there are plenty of ways for you to help support your favorite artists and the causes they advocate for from the safety of your own home! While it’s not the same as being in a packed crowd and seeing your idol right in front of you, it’s another way to stay connected and remember that we’re all in this together during these crazy times.