Why Livestream Concerts Should Be Here to Stay

Yes, we are a year into the pandemic and we all miss shows. I miss shows, too. But you know what we have that’s (almost) equally awesome? Livestream concerts!

I know, I know. Everyone says the same thing: “at least we have this but it’s not the same.” No, livestream shows aren’t the same. I miss seeing my friends, doing press for shows, and witnessing the whole “concert experience.”

But there are qualities about concerts that I don’t miss. It’s nice to watch a show in my jammies, drinking the more affordable beers I buy from the store versus the bar, I get to sit on the couch and watch a badass show, and the kicker — my feet don’t hurt!

While we all miss concerts, livestream shows should also be here to stay. Here’s why.

Less Overhead for Bands

Given, livestream metal concerts are still a significant investment for artists — especially if they go above and beyond with production. But I’m sure livestreamed concerts are still cheaper for bands than a full-on world tour.

Let’s take a look at the average costs associated with touring. If you’re playing in the market you reside in (North America, Europe, etc.) then you’re paying for transportation, accommodations (hotels, etc.), your crew members, production costs (lighting, etc.), any gear that you have to pay for, merchandise, and the list goes on. Some bands also purchase customized costumes and other aspects that make their performance unique.

What if you’re playing internationally? You’ll have to pay for the required visas (if applicable), plane tickets, and extra to ship your gear assuming you don’t have gear at the location you’re playing (some bands store extra instruments in various countries for this reason). Yeah, these costs are on top of the costs mentioned above.

For a large-scale concert, these costs go well into the millions. But even successful metal bands may spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on one tour alone. Touring is even a large investment for small-scale bands. With expenses like the van/another vehicle, gas, food, hotels, crew members, gear, plane tickets, etc. a smaller metal band can easily spend at least $15k on one tour alone.

Livestreaming concerts take away many of these expenses. First, you’re not driving across an entire country or traveling somewhere else. Best case scenario, you and your band members live in the same area, so you all just need to drive yourselves to the studio you’re filming. Since you’re only filming one show, the band members will likely go home afterward (unless they had to travel for the livestream show).

Some of the expenses we mentioned above still pertain to livestream shows. Metal bands livestreaming will still need to pay for production — more so that they’re hiring professional videographers to stream their performance live. Professional bands will also still hire crew members (sound engineers, etc.) to ensure the performance sounds and looks amazing. Bands with a certain image will still need their costumes and props for the livestream show. In addition, some bands release limited merchandise for the livestreaming show, too.

But still, by only livestreaming shows, bands can likely save close to half of their touring expenses. Not only that, but they can still earn revenue on their livestreaming show.

Farther Reach

A few months ago, I watched a live stream show for the band Rage. They performed at a church in Germany. Sure, I wasn’t able to be at the show, but I watched it live. Same thing with Behemoth’s In Absentia Dei. They filmed the performance at an abandoned church in Poland, and I got to witness the whole event.

With touring, bands are limited. They have to travel to specific destinations to perform. While I’m sure all bands love nothing more than traveling and meeting fans, virtual concerts in 2021 allow bands to have a wider reach while playing in their hometown and streaming their performance. Their fans from all over the world can tune into their set.

We previously mentioned that bands will build revenue by hosting metal livestream concerts. Well, by opening up your show to a global audience, you have a chance to build more revenue than if you were to only play location-based shows.

A Solution to the Less Glamorous Side of Concerts

Concerts are amazing and I miss them very much. However, they’re not perfect. For one, my feet always hurt. People steal the chairs quickly and most venue staff don’t let you sit on the floor. Two, concerts last late — I do enjoy being an adult and falling asleep relatively early. Also, shows get expensive. After buying a ticket, you buy merch, food, drinks, and the list goes on.

Livestream shows offer a solution to these inconveniences. The last livestream show I watched was Augury’s performance of their entire first album. My boyfriend and I cuddled on the couch wearing our PJs with some tacos and some nice craft beer. We watched a badass show while staying comfy. Since we purchased the beer from the local craft beer store and not from a bar, we saved a lot of money (the tacos came from a restaurant, though).

No Driving

There were times I drove 6+ hours to a show. I don’t miss that at all. Oh, and parking? Hate it when I get to a venue and can’t find parking. With livestream shows, all I have to do is get my laptop. I can watch a livestream show wherever I want, including my own home.

I’m also sure this section applies to bands more than me. From talking to my touring musician friends, I don’t think any of them miss the driving at all.

Livestream Concerts Are Here to Stay

We all miss concerts and regular touring will definitely return one day. Until then, livestream concerts offer many benefits. That’s why I hope livestream shows are here to stay.

Are you checking out any upcoming livestream concerts? Let me know in the comments section!

Featured image: Image by Free Photos/9088 images.