Why do live concerts matter? Can’t we just keep doing things online from the convenience and comfort of our own homes?
“Each time you play music, it becomes new. This is one way I’ve been thinking about memory and the present, past and future times all fitting together. I called it an exquisite moment. It’s an exquisite moment because the audience and the situation of performing allows us, requires us, to think of that moment. Very often we go through life without thinking about that moment. We talk about mindfulness but we’re not very mindful, most of us.”
– Philip Glass
How present we are changes everything. This applies to audiences as well.
Throughout this pandemic, we have all been forced to do the best we can. The move away from live events has been not only understandable but necessary for public safety, and for the hope of an eventual return to normalcy.
Concert organizers and artists all over the world have worked tirelessly throughout this last year to bring performances to audiences despite unprecedented circumstances, and they have undeniably done an impressive job through the exertion of incredible effort, innovation, and perseverance!
We have been lucky enough to view legendary artists from the comfort of our living rooms, beds, and home offices, and we have all been unquestionably grateful for that experience! Who would have thought 20 years ago that we could do what we do today?
But, undeniably, something is missing from these experiences, despite our very best efforts. This is no way a criticism of what has been done, or an ignorance of the monumental effort that concert organizers have exercised to bring digital events to our homes. Instead, it is simply meant as an acknowledgement of what we as humans really crave so desperately – genuine connection.
Good vibes. We feel them. We need them. We thrive on them.
The intensity of live events can’t be underestimated. The vibrance and energy of a full concert hall is palpable even if it can’t be measured or quantified in any tangible way. There is no denying that the atmosphere of these live events is different from that of the casual watch-from-your-couch livestream. For one, the distractions prevalent at home can’t always be removed, and, even if they can, there still seems to be something missing…
The spirit of the in-person connections that we forget with people is something that we just can’t replicate.
Music is meant to be shared. It is a means of communication, and, as with any conversation, it cannot be one-sided. Performances are an exchange of both information and energy. This isn’t a one-way deal, but a process that requires reciprocity and flow. Without the presence of involved and attentive audiences, what we do as artists loses impact.
Feeling your audience react to your performance has indisputable influence on how you play, and allows for a reciprocity that produces satisfaction unlike anything else for both artists and audiences.
With the rising cases here in Canada, there is no doubt that we still have some time before live events can resume. In the meantime, let’s make the best of the communities and connections that we have forged. But, please, let’s not forget the power of hearing each other in person.