CAPS’ Todd Dyer has been keeping up with the latest in live entertainment, patiently awaiting its return. As a live events expert and self-professed “afflicted music junky,” Todd has a few thoughts on what media outlets are saying about the intersection of technology and the future of live entertainment. For the latest insights on the world’s “return to live” and how you can be ready for it, drop Todd a business inquiry, comment, or suggestion.
Be sure to follow our three-part Crew Corner series featuring Todd Dyer, where the Live Events expert also interviews General Manager Stuart Ross and Disco Donnie Presents' VP, Evan Bailey.
"Livestream Concerts—Music's Future or Pandemic Fad?"
Todd's Take: Well, as an afflicted music junky, live streams and YouTube concerts helped me fill the need for live music on a personal level. As artists began to formally schedule livestream gigs that were live, I approached the new medium with a similar excitement that I would a live show. My favorite experience was having the opportunity to be on the fan wall for Metallica’s “All Within My Hands Foundation” benefit concert. My kids got to sit on my lap and watch and speak between songs, and we all felt like we were part of the show itself. After Metallica finished, the Foo Fighters played their streaming gig from The Roxy. And while it was great to see two of my favorite artists play live while sitting at my desk, the lack of energy, those familiar concert smells, the strangers, and the excitement in anticipation for the lights to go on were all absent. On the contrary, I can see live streaming help elevate music festivals’ footprint and revenue stream by targeting audiences who typically would not want the ancillary components of attending an all-day event.
"Are Minecraft Concerts the Future of Electronic Music?"
Todd's Take: A common topic brought up among industry experts recently has been whether all these virtual and steaming events can outlive the COVID lockdown. There have been so many unique experiences brought to the market over the past year as artists and their teams have looked to pivot into alternate revenue streams. Not the least of which, as I learned from my 11-year-old son, has been virtual concerts taking place on the popular video games, like Fortnight and Minecraft. It will be interesting to see if these new approaches [to] live can hold up. But one thing’s for sure: Artists are expanding their reach to newer and younger audiences.
"New App Can Help People Prove They've Been Vaccinated?"
Todd's Take: A few years ago, if you asked me what I thought about being required to register with an app that logs my vaccination status or health condition in order to be granted access to a live event, I would have said, “no way.” But in this age of COVID, as long as I feel safe to attend an event, I say, “sign me right up.” I have been a customer of Clear since 2010, when I traveled weekly through the Orlando International Airport. Unless you enjoy waiting in lines at ungodly hours of the morning just to pass through security, you had to have some sort of front-of-the-line system to guide you past all of the Disney families. Now, Clear has upped their game to be able to ensure you get into live events by allowing the patron to pre-register with the Clear Health Pass. I, for one, like Clear’s travel equivalent. I will be eager to utilize it if it means I get to see my favorite artists play.
Want to Catch Up With Todd?
The world may have pressed pause on live shows, but Todd and the rest of the CAPS crew are gearing up behind the scenes for their return. For the latest insights on the world’s “return to live” and how you can be ready for it, drop Todd a business inquiry, comment, or a note to chat more.