The COVID-19 pandemic has hit many industries hard, but especially the music industry. Major artists such as the Foo Fighters and Hayley Williams have canceled their shows and tours for this year. This is not only heartbreaking for musicians but also for music fans.
Are you an avid show-goer and are missing live performances? Don’t worry, there are ways to feel the energy and exhilaration of a show while abiding by social distancing guidelines. Many bands are working around the restrictions to still deliver live music concerts in 2020 to their fans.
Here are the 11 best bands to see live this year (via live streaming).
- Lil Uzi Vert
Lil Uzi Vert is a rapper who released his newest album, Eternal Atake, on March 6 of this year. Since he released his album at the beginning of the pandemic, he hasn’t performed any material in support of the album.
But on August 27, he’s finally performing new material live and more. With the support of Live Nation, he’s hosting a virtual live performance. Tickets are $15.
- Virtual Fuji Rock Festival
Fuji Rock Festival is an annual three-day rock festival that takes place at the Naeba Ski Resort in Niigata Prefecture, Japan.
This was supposed to be one of the best rock concerts this year. Unfortunately, the festival has to be streamed live this year. The Fuji Rock Festival live broadcast features performances from The Strokes, Tame Impala, Rufus Wainright, Future Islands, and more. The live stream is free and you can find it on Youtube.
- Live at the Ryman
The Ryman is a historic auditorium based in Nashville, Tennessee. This is the place where history was made — even Johnny Cash met June Carter here! While the Ryman is known for its country music performances, many renowned rock and pop artists have also played here.
The Ryman is hosting a live streaming performance event, starting August 28. Headliners include Chris Janson, Scott McCreery, Brett Young, and Old Crow Medicine Show.
All shows begin at 8 PM CT. If you miss the stream, the videos will be available for 48 hours after the recording.
- Inside Lands Livestreaming Event
Outside Lands is a music festival hosted every year in San Francisco, California.
On August 28 and 29, they’re hosting a live streaming event hilariously dubbed “Inside Lands” instead of Outside Lands. The live streaming event features archival performances from Jack White, Elton John, Bob Moses, Alt-J, The Gorillaz, and more.
Outside Lands does plan on continuing the festival in 2021 and has already released its lineup.
- Dawes
Dawes is a folk-rock band from Los Angeles. On August 28, they’re hosting a live concert. This is the first time the band has performed since March. Fans can opt between buying only the tickets or buying tickets plus a merchandise bundle.
- Patti Smith
Iconic music artist and poet Patti Smith is performing one of the most unique live shows this year. She’s not only performing classics with bandmate Tony Shanahan but is also reading her memoir Year of the Monkey.
This is her only performance this year and she’s expected to be one of the best performers in 2020. Her performance is held on September 4 and is $30.
- Pearl Jam
Legendary rock band Pearl Jam will stream the whole first-night performance of their 2018 show at Safeco Field in their hometown of Seattle, Washington.
Fans can tune in on September 4 and watch the concert until September 7. The event costs $14.99 but Ten Club members (Pearl Jam’s fan club) receive a discount.
- American Music Festival
The American Music Festival is one of the oldest music festivals in the country.
This festival is usually based in Virginia Beach; but for their 27th year, they’re hosting the event online. The virtual festival is featuring Bret Michaels, the Goo Goo Dolls, Michael Franti, Marc Roberge (O.A.R.), Trevor Young (SOJA), and more.
The live stream premieres on September 5.
- Suzy Bogguss
Suzy Bogguss is an award-winning country singer who has been taking this pandemic to connect with fans.
Every Wednesday, she hosts “Weekly Wine Down Wednesdays” where she goes on Facebook live to perform songs and chat with fans. And every once in a while, she’ll have a special guest, such as Pat Tillis.
- Future Islands
Future Islands is a synthpop band. On October 5, they will perform via live stream from their hometown in Baltimore, Maryland to celebrate the release of their new album, As Long As You Are. Tickets are $15.
- Mary Chapin Carpenter
Mary Chapin Carpenter has been live streaming her series, “Songs From Home.” Since her tour with Wolf Trap was canceled this year, she’s been performing songs for fans at home. You can watch her videos on her Facebook page.
What About Next Year?
Instead of hosting live streaming events in 2020, many artists are postponing their concerts for 2021. We mentioned the Fuji Rock Festival, but there are many artists you can see next year.
Take iconic singer and piano player Billy Joel as a perfect example. He was supposed to tour in September of this year, but all of his concerts in 2020 were postponed for March of 2021. You can buy Billy Joel tickets now.
These Are the Best Bands to See Live During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic caused many shows and festivals to cancel all over the world. Fortunately, many bands and artists have been hosting live streamed concerts. The best part? You can watch these shows from anywhere and many of them are free!
We listed the best bands to see live during the pandemic, but what will happen when shows come back? Many bands and festivals rescheduled their concerts for 2021. Be sure to stay on the lookout for all of the great shows that will happen next year!
Continue reading our blog for more music, gaming, and other entertainment recommendations!