**The Evolution of Concert-going Experiences**

The way we experience live music is undergoing a significant transformation with the advent of technology. Gone are the days when concert-goers had to physically attend a venue, wait in lines, and pay exorbitant ticket prices. Today, virtual concerts and immersive experiences are redefining the entertainment industry.

One such example is the Abba Virtual Concert Experience, which was showcased at CES 2021. The experience allowed attendees to watch the legendary group perform from the comfort of their own homes, albeit on a large screen with surround sound. While it may not have been as exciting as attending a live concert in person, it was a novelty that sparked conversations about what a concert-going experience should look like in the future.

**The Rise of Virtual Concerts**

With the COVID-19 pandemic, many concerts and music festivals were forced to shut down or move online. This shift led to a surge in virtual concerts, which have become increasingly popular among music fans. These events allow artists to perform remotely, connect with their audience in new ways, and reach a wider global audience.

The success of these virtual concerts has sparked innovation in the industry. Companies are now developing immersive experiences that simulate the thrill of attending a live concert. Virtual reality (VR) technology has played a key role in this development, enabling fans to step into a virtual venue and feel like they're part of the performance.

**Immersive Experiences**

One such company is Amaz VR, which offers virtual concerts and other immersive experiences. Their platform allows users to attend a private show with their favorite artist, complete with personalized content and interactive elements. This approach has been praised for its high production value, making it feel like a truly unique experience.

The author of the article attended an Amaz VR concert, describing the experience as "very impressive." While they appreciated the novelty of watching a performance from a private show, they felt that it was trying too hard to be something it wasn't. Nevertheless, the experience highlighted the potential for technology to revolutionize the way we enjoy live music.

**The Future of Concerts**

As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative approaches to concert-going experiences. With the rise of VR and other immersive technologies, artists will be able to connect with their audience in new and exciting ways. Concert venues may also need to adapt to incorporate these new formats, potentially leading to a shift towards hybrid events that combine both virtual and physical elements.

The author of the article reflected on their own experience attending concerts before the pandemic. They acknowledged that while it was convenient to stay home, there was something special about being part of a live event with thousands of other people. This highlights the importance of human connection in the concert-going experience, which may be harder to replicate through virtual means.

**The Importance of Human Connection**

While technology is changing the way we experience concerts, the core aspect of live music remains the same: connecting with others and feeling a sense of community. As we become increasingly comfortable with virtual experiences, it's essential to remember that there's no substitute for being part of a physical event.

This raises an interesting question about the role of technology in shaping our relationship with live music. While virtual concerts offer convenience and accessibility, they may also be contributing to a decline in attendance at traditional venues. As artists and promoters adapt to this new landscape, it's crucial that we prioritize human connection and community in our experiences.

**The Rise of Club Twit**

For those who can't attend live concerts due to various reasons, there is an alternative: Club Twit. This platform offers a wealth of exclusive content, including podcasts from top tech influencers like Mik A Sergeant. With access to behind-the-scenes insights, outtakes, and special shows, Club Twit has become a go-to destination for tech enthusiasts and music fans alike.

The podcast "Hands-On Mac" is a personal favorite among the author, who praises its in-depth analysis of Apple's latest products. The show offers an intimate look at the technology behind these devices, making it a valuable resource for those looking to upgrade their own equipment.

**Conclusion**

As we navigate this new landscape of virtual concerts and immersive experiences, it's essential to remember that there's still something special about being part of a live event. While technology has changed the way we enjoy music, human connection remains at its core. By embracing both physical and virtual formats, we can create a more inclusive and diverse concert-going experience for all.

For those looking to stay up-to-date with the latest tech news and insights, Club Twit is an excellent resource. With exclusive content, podcasts from top experts, and behind-the-scenes looks at the tech industry, it's the perfect platform for anyone interested in staying current.

**About Mik A Sergeant**

Mik A Sergeant is a well-known figure in the tech community, known for his insightful commentary on the latest gadgets and trends. As the author of "Hands-On Mac," he has established himself as an expert in Apple technology. His podcast offers a unique perspective on the company's products, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in staying current with the latest developments.

**About Amaz VR**

Amaz VR is a pioneering company that has pushed the boundaries of immersive experiences. Their virtual concerts and shows offer a truly unique way to engage with music, providing an unforgettable experience for fans worldwide. By embracing technology and innovation, they have set a new standard for live music entertainment.

"WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: enthis is Twi and then finally before we wrap things up uh any kiss fans here any anyone into that that old aging 50 years ago Kiss band no apparently not you know the first pinball table I ever played was a Kiss Pinball table okay well there we go moving here but but no I can't say I'm I'm a big kiss fan I'm I mean I appreciate some of their music but I wouldn't say that I'm a dieh hard kiss fan anyways why am I talking about kiss well they on Saturday night that was just yesterday uh had their final performance of their endof the road farewell tour this was in New York City's Madison Square Garden so apparently kiss is no longer why are we talking about this on a technology show because kiss is going to be immortalized uh as they become digital avatars and basically they the avatars are created by George Lucas's um special effects company of course a pop House Entertainment Group uh a group Collective that was responsible for Abba's virtual concert which I checked the prices on this virtual concert and they're like that this is a pricey thing that happens you know that that is going all the time and I I don't know if kiss's virtual show is going to be a touring show or if it's going to be a fixture but it's just interesting to me that we're at the point to where you know even when a band members age out they can create an enduring experience of their show that's based on them and and I I don't know if you Bonito have have the link to the Abba virtual concert but there's a there's a video in there um a video player in there if you hit play on this and then just you know imagine that it's kiss but it's also Abba like if this is this was the first time that like I watched a video like this and I was like okay I've heard about virtual avatars doing you know shows like during someone's show they bring up uh you know like Michael Jackson or something like that it always sounded really cheesy to me and it still kind of does but if you're in an environment like this this where it's really set up for that experience I can see this actually being really cool like this would be a really interesting uh way to you know keep keep the dream alive keep the Kiss Alive what what do you all think is this cheese or cool you know obviously your first reaction my first reaction is to think why would I want this but then I think about myself and the fact that I go to these like Taylor Swift nights where they just play her music and I remember the first time I told like my sister that I was going to one of these she was like so you got dressed up went somewhere we really excited about it took all these pictures posted them on social media and Taylor wasn't even there like and so when I went to the actual Taylor S concert she was like Will Taylor actually be there this time because she sees how excited I get for things where it's like the artist isn't actually even there so imagine if there is this virtual projection of the artist that you love and know and like you see this with the Taylor Swift concert movie for example like people are in the theater like dancing and having a good time and that's just like a normal movie theater screen so if it's something immersive like this of course nothing will replace being able to see the person live on stage but not everyone has that opportunity and as artists get older and they can't do that then this could be you know a logical replacement for that well when I I totally agree sorry Tim go I think yeah sorry about that I also think it's probably a if in some ways a less depressing thing than seeing you know the same band that's been on tour for 30 years and just getting progressively slower and and maybe a little bit more off tun each time to see a band in their Prime even in a digital way might be a more satisfying thing to do and you know there are a lot of bands that I listen to that I'll never had the chance to ever see live and and so it would be interesting to be able to to have that experience even if it were virtual experience um but yeah I'm not sure that um that it should cost as much as a real experience and yeah so I think I agree with you there Jason I'm surprised at how much these things cost yeah that was going to be my comment is the there it's cool and I think that it's it's kind of fun but there's got to be a limit for me for the price that I'm willing to pay I think with the Taylor Swift thing like we saw that movie and it was very popular but the price point was very good for a lot of people and it's it's local it's easy um so I do see this as like really fun and like why not like you can see a lot of different it's like another form of entertainment um and so it it is kind of cool but I think the the prices of concert tickets are very expensive these should be like a a fraction of the price you know um and then you make it up on the beer price I guess yeah there you go yeah exactly um yeah I mean the the price is really really high for the Abba experience I think it was something like in the 150 range or something and uh I don't know but then at the same time if you're in a room like that video they're obviously in an auditorium that is designed for that so there's a whole light show that's surrounding them it's very it's a very immersive environment I think also in that situation you need a room full of people cuz if it's just like 10 of you there maybe not nearly as exciting you know on a similar side to this I tested a uh like a virtual Concert Experience like a but it wasn't really a concert it was like one person performing uh almost like a private show for you like in VR like a it was um gosh I'm trying to remember the artist's name but it was really interesting because it was it was very well done super high production value oh AAR Larson and is this company called amaz VR and it was really impressive I mean just sitting there was like a 15 20 minute show but it was like almost like it made me realize that that will be another form of entertainment where you will pay you know 20 bucks to watch a VR concert that is for you it seems personalized for you and of course you'll be able to watch concerts that are also in VR so I think there's just so much entertainment just continues to evolve and there you know being in that concert hall with you know when I went to C Taylor Swift it was like 70,000 people and you know we are so high up and like what are you doing 99% of the time you're looking at that screen that has them on you're watching TV inside a shared venue yeah and unless you're in front row second row whatever that's kind of the concert goinging experience these days so I think that there's a lot of of play a lot at play here and a lot of potential for technology to um change the way we see entertainment but also not get rid of the traditional concert but just you know ways of experiencing that yeah and those conversations have really ramped up post lockdowns because there was a virtual concert and I think it's a very generous term but somebody at CES during that one year that we were all locked down it was 2021 uh had a virtual Concert Experience that I attended and it was a very they tried you're just like on your computer and it's like there's little dots everywhere and then that like the performers on this little screen on your computer and it just it was trying too hard I think and I was like I don't know why I would ever want this if you're watching in VR that sounds a lot cooler um but I think there have been all these conversations about what does that Concert goinging Experience look like um with this obvious shift that we've had in terms of how we work and how we communicate with people when we've realized that sometimes we just want to stay home yep I think most of the time I would like to stay home yeah yeah I don't leave that couch yeah except when you are invited as a guest on This Week in Tech you yeah yeah still not leaving home it's the best guest ever why we're here yeah yeah hey there I'm mik a sergeant look as a geek myself I feel it's only fair if I admit something we can be kind of hard to shop for so what do you get for that geek in your life who has everything already well a club twit gift subscription of course twit podcasts keep them informed and entertained with the most relevant Tech news podcasts available with a club twit subscription they're going to get access to all of our podcasts at free exclusive outtakes behind the scenes and special content and I love this exclusive shows like my own Hands-On Mac and handson windows from Paul thorat as well as the Untitled Linux show so purchase your Geeks gift at twit.tv Club twit and they will thank you every day athis is Twi and then finally before we wrap things up uh any kiss fans here any anyone into that that old aging 50 years ago Kiss band no apparently not you know the first pinball table I ever played was a Kiss Pinball table okay well there we go moving here but but no I can't say I'm I'm a big kiss fan I'm I mean I appreciate some of their music but I wouldn't say that I'm a dieh hard kiss fan anyways why am I talking about kiss well they on Saturday night that was just yesterday uh had their final performance of their endof the road farewell tour this was in New York City's Madison Square Garden so apparently kiss is no longer why are we talking about this on a technology show because kiss is going to be immortalized uh as they become digital avatars and basically they the avatars are created by George Lucas's um special effects company of course a pop House Entertainment Group uh a group Collective that was responsible for Abba's virtual concert which I checked the prices on this virtual concert and they're like that this is a pricey thing that happens you know that that is going all the time and I I don't know if kiss's virtual show is going to be a touring show or if it's going to be a fixture but it's just interesting to me that we're at the point to where you know even when a band members age out they can create an enduring experience of their show that's based on them and and I I don't know if you Bonito have have the link to the Abba virtual concert but there's a there's a video in there um a video player in there if you hit play on this and then just you know imagine that it's kiss but it's also Abba like if this is this was the first time that like I watched a video like this and I was like okay I've heard about virtual avatars doing you know shows like during someone's show they bring up uh you know like Michael Jackson or something like that it always sounded really cheesy to me and it still kind of does but if you're in an environment like this this where it's really set up for that experience I can see this actually being really cool like this would be a really interesting uh way to you know keep keep the dream alive keep the Kiss Alive what what do you all think is this cheese or cool you know obviously your first reaction my first reaction is to think why would I want this but then I think about myself and the fact that I go to these like Taylor Swift nights where they just play her music and I remember the first time I told like my sister that I was going to one of these she was like so you got dressed up went somewhere we really excited about it took all these pictures posted them on social media and Taylor wasn't even there like and so when I went to the actual Taylor S concert she was like Will Taylor actually be there this time because she sees how excited I get for things where it's like the artist isn't actually even there so imagine if there is this virtual projection of the artist that you love and know and like you see this with the Taylor Swift concert movie for example like people are in the theater like dancing and having a good time and that's just like a normal movie theater screen so if it's something immersive like this of course nothing will replace being able to see the person live on stage but not everyone has that opportunity and as artists get older and they can't do that then this could be you know a logical replacement for that well when I I totally agree sorry Tim go I think yeah sorry about that I also think it's probably a if in some ways a less depressing thing than seeing you know the same band that's been on tour for 30 years and just getting progressively slower and and maybe a little bit more off tun each time to see a band in their Prime even in a digital way might be a more satisfying thing to do and you know there are a lot of bands that I listen to that I'll never had the chance to ever see live and and so it would be interesting to be able to to have that experience even if it were virtual experience um but yeah I'm not sure that um that it should cost as much as a real experience and yeah so I think I agree with you there Jason I'm surprised at how much these things cost yeah that was going to be my comment is the there it's cool and I think that it's it's kind of fun but there's got to be a limit for me for the price that I'm willing to pay I think with the Taylor Swift thing like we saw that movie and it was very popular but the price point was very good for a lot of people and it's it's local it's easy um so I do see this as like really fun and like why not like you can see a lot of different it's like another form of entertainment um and so it it is kind of cool but I think the the prices of concert tickets are very expensive these should be like a a fraction of the price you know um and then you make it up on the beer price I guess yeah there you go yeah exactly um yeah I mean the the price is really really high for the Abba experience I think it was something like in the 150 range or something and uh I don't know but then at the same time if you're in a room like that video they're obviously in an auditorium that is designed for that so there's a whole light show that's surrounding them it's very it's a very immersive environment I think also in that situation you need a room full of people cuz if it's just like 10 of you there maybe not nearly as exciting you know on a similar side to this I tested a uh like a virtual Concert Experience like a but it wasn't really a concert it was like one person performing uh almost like a private show for you like in VR like a it was um gosh I'm trying to remember the artist's name but it was really interesting because it was it was very well done super high production value oh AAR Larson and is this company called amaz VR and it was really impressive I mean just sitting there was like a 15 20 minute show but it was like almost like it made me realize that that will be another form of entertainment where you will pay you know 20 bucks to watch a VR concert that is for you it seems personalized for you and of course you'll be able to watch concerts that are also in VR so I think there's just so much entertainment just continues to evolve and there you know being in that concert hall with you know when I went to C Taylor Swift it was like 70,000 people and you know we are so high up and like what are you doing 99% of the time you're looking at that screen that has them on you're watching TV inside a shared venue yeah and unless you're in front row second row whatever that's kind of the concert goinging experience these days so I think that there's a lot of of play a lot at play here and a lot of potential for technology to um change the way we see entertainment but also not get rid of the traditional concert but just you know ways of experiencing that yeah and those conversations have really ramped up post lockdowns because there was a virtual concert and I think it's a very generous term but somebody at CES during that one year that we were all locked down it was 2021 uh had a virtual Concert Experience that I attended and it was a very they tried you're just like on your computer and it's like there's little dots everywhere and then that like the performers on this little screen on your computer and it just it was trying too hard I think and I was like I don't know why I would ever want this if you're watching in VR that sounds a lot cooler um but I think there have been all these conversations about what does that Concert goinging Experience look like um with this obvious shift that we've had in terms of how we work and how we communicate with people when we've realized that sometimes we just want to stay home yep I think most of the time I would like to stay home yeah yeah I don't leave that couch yeah except when you are invited as a guest on This Week in Tech you yeah yeah still not leaving home it's the best guest ever why we're here yeah yeah hey there I'm mik a sergeant look as a geek myself I feel it's only fair if I admit something we can be kind of hard to shop for so what do you get for that geek in your life who has everything already well a club twit gift subscription of course twit podcasts keep them informed and entertained with the most relevant Tech news podcasts available with a club twit subscription they're going to get access to all of our podcasts at free exclusive outtakes behind the scenes and special content and I love this exclusive shows like my own Hands-On Mac and handson windows from Paul thorat as well as the Untitled Linux show so purchase your Geeks gift at twit.tv Club twit and they will thank you every day a\n"