With each passing decade, musician's stage presence keep getting crazier, more immersive, and advanced. From detailed visuals, onstage decorations, artist stunts, and more, who knows where concerts will head to next...
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Seeing your favorite performers on stage singing their biggest hits or newest tracks is always something to look forward to. And whether it's stadium-packed, relaxed & outdoors, or in the biggest venues, fans come from far and wide. The loyalty fans have for their artists is like no other and the adoration we have for them aren't only seen in streams, merchandise purchases, advocation, but supporting their live performances is where artists truly make their earnings and connect deeper with their supporters.
Overtime, concerts have become more than just about the band on stage singing their songs, they're now bolder and wilder as artists find new ways to make their shows stand out amongst the others. From extravagant lights, visuals, audio, or other features, artists are getting even more creative with their concerts.
In previous decades, artists used their music and band members as the sole focus for their live performances. Maybe including a few lights here and there or a backup dancer or two, but the focal point was the music itself. This has seemingly changed overtime with artists wanting to go bigger & bigger for their fans.
It seems as though audiences are now bored with these “plain” concerts now that multiple artists are adding these major details to keep the audience stimulated. Despite these new additions to their shows, which can be more engaging and fun, it can also shift the focus away from the actual music. One of which being Travis Scott's 'Astroworld' concert, which featured trippy visuals, lights, smoke, and even a rollercoaster that fans can take a turn on during the concert. Another current artist who brings great vibes and a whole lot of energy to her live performances is P!NK. Her live shows include her strapped to stadium wires and flying through the crowd singing one of her biggest hits "So What". Fans can become so caught up on what's happening that the song itself is now lost, however, some may believe that it enhances the show and making it even more unforgettable.
Not all artists are trying to amp up their live performances by making them bigger and crazier, others including older bands and solo artists have kept their more “basic” style, focusing on their songs instead of ways to top other concerts. Indie artist Phoebe Bridgers, for example, maintains the simplicity of her successful shows. With a sole focus on her vocals and band and no need for backup dancers or an intense production besides some mood lights. Similarly, rock legend Billy Joel's performances only feature a large band, piano, and mood lights for all of his performances. His constantly sold out concert shows that he doesn't need those additions to hold a successful performance.
So let's go back to the foundation of live performances and see where they started and how their concerts compare to more current ones...
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Fleetwood Mac were and still are an iconic group from the 60s. With hit songs like "Dreams", "The Chain", "Landslide", and "Go Your Own Way". They've paved the way for bands and solo artists alike and continue to be a legendary group. Their sold out performances don't rely on special effects, intense lights, or visual effects to keep the audience engaged. Besides a few stray lights and perhaps a backdrop or wide-screen view of the band for the audience, the band solely relies on the audience's energy and the band's performance.
Well... let's go back even further to a legend in the 50s & 60s, specifically the king of rock & roll.
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Elvis's music was and still is an integral part of the music industry. Not only is his music still on repeat in every household but he opened the doors to counter-culture and created a stage presence like no other. His concerts are absent of any visual effects, background dancers, or any other details that could share the spotlight with him. His music and energy are the only details needed to keep all of his fans on their toes. His love for each of his tracks is enough to fill the whole room and leave the audience with a stellar show.
In more current artist performances, we see a mix between extravagant & simple as they both are massive successes with today's crowds.
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The pop 2000s icon, Katy Perry is known for her wild live performances, on-stage additions, and wow factor details to make the stage and concert a fun space for all attendees. Between her background dancers, stage decorations, and even noble steeds that she enters the stage on are one to remember. Her style is reminiscent of cartoon, pop, colorful, and whimsical, which she mixes into her performance style. Katy includes plenty of over-the-top stage presentations, outfits, and background dancers to keep a fun and unlike any other concert.
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Country singer, Luke Combs's performances on the other hand are more simplistic as his style mixes casual and fun into a stellar performance. The only addition are lights that illuminate the stage and the band members but the focus is always on the music, which gives his shows a breath of fresh air as compared to other concerts. Combs lets the music speak for itself and be the sole focus and connect with the audience on a deeper level.
As performance styles continue to get bigger & even wilder, concerts are becoming more immersive and fun for audience members. And with technology advancing, many artists will use them to enhance their performances. In the meantime, other artists pride themselves on keeping their more basic and wholesome style that focuses on their music. Some fans adore a more basic style in terms of a concert while others enjoy these minor or major details that add to the fun.
Whether you prefer all the additions to concerts or a simple style, there's no doubt that live performances are unforgettable.
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