The AWESOME! page has random music stuff that I think is cool. You never know what you will find here!
The COVID-19 Pandemic essentially eliminated concert performances before live audiences, starting in early March of 2020. Hundreds of artists have stayed connected with their fans by live streaming virtual concert performances. Here are some of the most notable concerts that were provided to music fans during the pandemic.
- Andrew Lloyd Webber – the legendary writer of some of the biggest hits of Broadway and West End musicals began performing songs from his many shows in mid-March, with All I Ask of You from Phantom of the Opera. Not only has Webber been performing his songs, many of Webber’s biggest shows have been live streamed for free – Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar, Love Never Dies and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat all have been available for musical theater fans to watch.
- Andrea Bocelli – on Easter Sunday, opera tenor Bocelli gave a solo performance at the Duomo in Milan Italy, titled Music For Hope. The 30 minute performance on YouTube was viewed by over 28 million people within 24 hours of the live performance, making it the most watched classical music event in YouTube history. He sang 4 hymns in Latin, and closed his performance with a stunning rendition of Amazing Grace.
- Living Room Concert for America – on March 29, Elton John hosted a live stream event organized by iHeart. Artists performing from their at-home studios included Billie Eilish, Alicia Keys, Tim McGraw, Lady Gaga, Lizzo, Demi Lovato, Backstreet Boys, and Mariah Carey.
- Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood – the country music husband-and-wife mega-stars have provided fans with several live streamed concerts, starting with a Facebook live stream on March 23, and an April 1 concert on CBS-TV. On May 2, they performed on stage of The Grand Ole Opry (but without an audience) – keeping in tact the Grand Ole Opry’s streak of Saturday night performances – this show was the 4,922 consecutive Saturday night show at the legendary Nashville concert venue.
- Metallica Mondays – in late March 2020, the heavy metal gods began to post concerts from their past tours on Facebook and YouTube, promising to continue providing concerts every Monday. Through June, they’ve kept true to their word.
- One World: Together At Home – on April 18, the largest gathering (virtually) of artists since Live Aid in 1985 occurred, initiated by Global Citizens and Lady Gaga. It was aired on multiple TV channels as well as many streaming services. The show included at home performances by 40 artists, including legends like The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Lopez and Taylor Swift, plus a six hour live streamed pre-event with performances by over 70 additional artists.
- Stevie Wonder’s 70th Birthday – May 13 marked the 70th birthday of the amazing Stevie Wonder. To celebrate, Instagram Live hosted a 24 hour marathon of Stevie Wonder music.
- And much, much, much more. While COVID has ruined much of 2020 for concert goers, artists have made it easy to watch them perform for free. Though you won’t need to raise your virtual cigarette lighter to get an encore at these shows.
- Watch Andrea Bocelli’s Easter performance of Amazing Grace. Watch as he walks from inside the Duomo to the outside of the church, and then sings this inspirational classic, with no one on the streets of Milan to listen.
. Truly spectacular!