Front Row Experiences with Favourite Artists in VR, and Where to Find These Events

Taylor Swift’s tickets are reportedly being resold for $121K amid sell out on ticketing platforms. What if we tell you there is a way to be close to Taylor and other Swifties without staying up to wait for ticket sales launch; exchange friendship bracelets; a guaranteed a front row show without breaking the bank or getting sweaty?

Even though exchanging bracelet is not here yet, but the rest is not a hoax. We already see examples of top teams collaborating together to make this happen. For the price of $6.99, available to purchase on Steam and view with Meta Quest, you can experience a 3FT tall Megan Thee Stallion performing (and twerking) right in front of you on demand for a limited period.

VR technology in the music industry is not just transforming the way we experience our favorite performances; it’s shattering the barriers of access and affordability that many fans face, especially when it comes to high-demand acts like Taylor Swift or the pulsating beats of K-pop.

A Game Changer for Fans and Artists

it’s not just about watching a concert. It’s about feeling it. The VR format allows fans to notice the subtle nuances of a performance—every gesture, every expression, rendered in striking detail. And with advancements in VR technology, these experiences are only going to get more realistic and immersive, promising a future where live concerts are within everyone’s reach.

For those who doesn’t own a VR headset, events like physical auditorium viewing experience are also available for fans who doesn’t want to miss out. The aespa VR concert in Japan serves as a prime example of this trend. Hosted in virtual headsets, “Lynk-pop: The 1st VR Concert aespa” offered fans an unparalleled immersive experience, putting them virtually on stage with the members of the girl group aespa. For 50 minutes, fans were treated to a front-row spectacle of hits, from “Black Mamba” to “Next Level”, without the need for fan chants or the hassle of navigating crowds.

Visuals, lighting and set designs are paramount for top performances nowadays. For artists, the VR renders of their experiential design go beyond what they may be able to achieve in reality. This enables artists in bringing to life what they’ve imagined and enable fans to experience it without the constraints of reality.

BTS’ Jungkook presented “Standing Next to You” in Horizon Worlds, accessible to Meta Quest headset owners. This forms part of a recurring iHeartRadio concert series launched on November 28 and continuing until February 5, 2024. Meta emphasizes the unique experience of music in VR, highlighting the opportunity to engage with global fans, customize avatars, and groove to the rhythm, fostering connections with beloved artists and uncovering new ones in a remarkable yet personal manner.

How to find out about new concert launch dates and experiences?

To find these type of experiences, you can either find on XR event listing platforms, XR concert providers, or from your favourite artists’ website. But here is a shortlist for you to bookmark:

1. Hybrid Rituals: We cover cross-platform updates on the latest XR and immersive concert experiences that you cannot miss!
2. Horizon Worlds (by Meta): While specific artists may vary, Horizon Worlds has hosted VR concerts and events featuring various performers. For example, as mentioned earlier, Jungkook performed “Standing Next to You” and the infamous Blackpink.
3. AmazeVR: AmazeVR features a variety of virtual reality experiences, including concerts and events showcasing a diverse lineup of artists. While specific performers may vary, notable artists who have participated in AmazeVR events include Marshmello, Khalid, and The Chainsmokers.
4. Sansar: Sansar has hosted a range of live events, including concerts, festivals, and virtual meetups featuring artists from different genres. Some notable artists who have participated in Sansar events include Steve Aoki, Paul McCartney, and Reggie Watts.
5. WaveXR: WaveXR specializes in virtual concerts and events, featuring live performances by a wide range of artists. Some notable artists who have performed on WaveXR include The Glitch Mob, Tinashe, and Lindsey Stirling.

For non-photorealistic concerts:

1. Decentraland: Decentraland allows users to create and attend virtual events, including concerts. While specific artists vary depending on user-generated content, Decentraland has hosted events featuring electronic music artists like Deadmau5 and Blau.
2. Minecraft: While Minecraft is primarily known as a sandbox game, it has also been used as a platform for virtual concerts and events. Although specific artists may vary depending on user-generated content, Minecraft has hosted events featuring popular artists such as Marshmello, who performed a virtual concert within the game in 2019.
3. Fortnite: The popular battle royale game has become renowned for its in-game events and concerts featuring real-world artists. Some notable performers who have participated in Fortnite events include Travis Scott, Ariana Grande, and Marshmello, whose virtual concerts within the game have attracted millions of players worldwide.

Bear in mind that to have such experience. You do have to own a VR or MR headset and purchase licensed performances unless companies like AmazeVR who hosts an offline session. If you’re a die-hard fan, it is worth to consider.