To wrap up a tumultuous year in the absence of live music, many artists are returning to the virtual stage to celebrate the new year with their fans.
Pay-per-view concerts providing an incentive to stay in include shows by BTS, Justin Bieber, Jason Isbell, the Avett Brothers, Bob Weir, Melissa Etheridge, Michael Franti and more. Themed shows include a special webcast from New Orleans’ most celebrated club, Tipitina’s, hosted by John Goodman.
The list of free shows bringing in 2021 covers the gamut from country group Alabama to EDM DJ Steve Aoki presiding over Los Angeles’ official New Year’s celebration. Multi-artist extravaganzas will include the likes of Post Malone, Jack Harlow, John Legend, Jason Derulo and recent TikTok favorites Aly & AJ.
Abracadabra Returns to Ring in 2021” (free) – This 24/7 livestream festival on Twitch will feature performances from John Legend, Kaskade, Major Lazer, Aloe Blacc and BLOND:ISH to support the #SaveOurStages fundraiser.
Big Hit Labels’ “2021 New Years Eve Live” (9:30 p.m. KST / 7:30 a.m. ET, 39,500 Korean won) – To wrap up a historic year for the K-pop industry, BTS will join other Big Hit artists — Lee Hyun, Bumzu, Nu’Est, GFriend, Tomorrow x Together and Enhypen — for a livestream performance, followed by an online meet-and-greet for fans.
Melissa Etheridge’s 90-Minute New Year’s Eve Concert (3 p.m. PT / 6 p.m. ET, $10) – One of the first artists to start live streaming from her home, Melissa Etheridge will expand her usual “Mama’s Choice” performance to a special 90-minute concert on New Year’s Eve.
Alabama New Year’s Eve Concert (8 p.m. CT, free) – Country group Alabama invites fans to a free virtual concert, during which the band will perform its iconic tunes from over five decades.
(Excerpt) Read more in: Variety