Spotify finally dips toe in virtual concert stream

14 months after the pandemic shut down live music globally, Spotify has launched a limited series of ticketed online concerts.

At launch, just five concerts are listed by The Black Keys, Rag’n’Bone Man, Bleachers’ Jack Antonoff, Leon Bridges and girl in red. Tickets are $15 for each 40-75 minute show.

Unlike most concerts livestreamed on Twitch, Bandsintown PLUS, StageIt, VEEPS and elsewhere, Spotify’s five-concert May and June offering is billed as “pre-recorded live streams” (aka NOT live) with each available to watch for on a single day at one of four times chosen to serve different global time zones.

One upside to Spotify’s non-live approach is that artist can film in unusual settings. The Black Keys shot part of their show on a bus traveling from Brooklyn to Asbury Park, New Jersey.

“We have always been a band that loves to play live in venues of all shapes and sizes,” said The Black Keys. “The past year has been tough for musicians and fans alike, so we wanted to find a way to share this live performance of songs from our new project, Delta Kream, from a place we love, the Blue Front Café, the oldest active juke joint in America. We’re excited to be a part of this new initiative with Spotify that will give fans a great way to connect with their favorite artists.”