Even if the pandemic did shut a lot of us inside, one thing that it definitely gave life to were concerts in virtual reality. Even if these experiences were available before 2020, that was definitely the year that popularized it as a lot of people decided to get themselves some kind of VR headset.
Some people got themselves simple headsets like Google Cardboard, while others managed to snatch themselves a more serious one like the Oculus Quest 2 during their time in lockdown.
Because of that big increase in headsets, VR concerts were slowly becoming more popular, and today, they are something that every virtual reality headset user can experience.
While some of the concerts can be experienced live through VR if you are not able to make it in person, what really makes them shine is the fact that you can re-experience most of them in a recorded format through some kind of app.
10 VR Concert Apps
1. YouTube
By far, one of the better apps for watching VR concerts is YouTube. While watching a concert live on YouTube is somewhat rare, it is the platform where you will be able to find most recordings of previous events. Another thing that is worth pointing out for YouTube is that you can experience VR concerts with it no matter what kind of headset you own.
Here are a couple of amazing concerts that you can check out:
2. Horizon Venues
Horizon Venues (only available on Oculus devices) holds a plethora of events from sporting shows, tours/excursions and of course, concerts.
All different kinds of bands play in Horizon Venues ranging from small indie bands to household names like the Foo Fighters.
3. ConcertVR
If you ever find yourself sold out on tickets in person, do not worry, as you will be able to catch them live with ConcertVR. This app is available on both AppStore and GooglePlay, and it offers both live and on-demand concerts. There are multiple camera angles available along with 360° Videos that provide a full concert-length experience.
4. CEEK Virtual Reality
If you were looking to transform your phone into a venue for a VR concert arena, then CEEK Virtual Reality can help you do that. It offers 360 VR videos along with a few other formats like 180 VR and True 3D. With this app, you will not only be able to experience the concert but also the backstage and all access interviews.
5. Noys VR
One of the better apps that lets musicians connect with their fans through virtual reality is Noys VR. At the same time, most apps focus on replicating an already existing concert in 360 to VR, Noys VR creates concerts that are native to virtual reality, which provides a phenomenal experience.
6. #BeApp
If you want to join a concert in virtual reality over your phone, you can do that with the #BeApp. You will be getting a front-row seat with the perfect view, and in case you happen to miss the event the day it was live, you can usually catch it on a rerun within the next 24 hours.
7. Stageverse
While the apps before this one focused on concerts that feature artists in their true form, Stageverse spices things up a bit by enhancing the word virtual in virtual reality.
It does this by making every concert that occurs within this app completely animated.
Although you are able to attend all kinds of concerts in Stageverse, the main focus of the app is to serve as a Metaverse where you can connect with other people.
8. VRChat
An app that almost did not make it to the list is VRChat, and that is because the main focus is certainly not on concerts. It is an app where you can access thousands of different rooms where you can play games, relax, and even watch some TV shows and movies.
However, because it is one of the most popular VR apps, a lot of musicians are holding concerts on VRChat. This is especially the case for DJ sets, as the clubbing scene in VRChat is gaining rapid popularity.
Honorable Mentions
9. HOP STEP SING! FAN CLUB
One of the few groups currently dedicated to making VR concerts – aimed at anime fans.
10. Altdeus: Beyond Chronos
Technically a story-driven game, but has one of the most spectactular anime concerts I have ever seen. It completely blew me away. If you’re into good stories as well as concerts – this is an awesome experience unlike any other. Unfortunately, there’s only 2 concerts throughout the whole story.
How to attend concerts in VR
For VRChat concerts, TubeVR is one of the biggest organizers of events, and you can check out their discord for all the necessary information: discord.gg/tube-vr
They also have an incredible video on how you can join their VRChat events – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaThUMxDIHg
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