U2 are a hugely popular group with fans from every part of the world, many of whom will never get to see the band live. But YouTube is offering those fans the chance to experience the next best thing – live streaming of their California gig this Sunday (Oct. 25).
Live Streaming
Live streaming video is an everyday occurrence on the Web these days, with lifecasting sites such as Justin.tv, UStream, and Livestream (formerly known as Mogulus) offering everyone the chance to air an event to the wider world.
Last month saw Livestream launch Livepack, which includes all the kit required to film and stream live events such as weddings, graduations, and concerts. And all in a compact enough size to fit in a backpack.
U2 On YouTube
While that is a brilliant innovation, live streaming of big events is still a relatively rare treat for Internet users. I’m talking about rock concerts from big, well-known bands. Like for instance, I don’t know, U2.
Which is exactly who is lined up for a live streaming event on YouTube this coming weekend. As the video below previews, YouTube will live stream U2’s sold-out gig at the Pasadena Rose Bowl in California this Sunday.
Details, Details
The live stream of the whole concert, with 90,000 people in attendance, will take place at YouTube.com/U2 at 8pm local time on Sunday. 16 countries will be able to view the stream, including Australia, Canada, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Spain, the U.K., and the U.S.
This signifies YouTube’s first streaming of a full-length concert. It has previously dabbled in live streaming, hosting its own event in November 2008, and streaming performances by several bands at the Outside Lands festival in San Francisco recently. But this is a much bigger deal.
Conclusions
This has reportedly taken a great deal of time and effort to set up, with the live streaming of a concert complicated by the number of rights-holder involved (the artist, record label, publishers, venue, etc.).
But this will hopefully become a more regular occurrence as all those involved realize how much there is to gain from it. I’m guessing Vevo may make this kind of event a much more regular thing when it launches.
