Photo Credit: Mitra Mehvar
2020 was the most challenging year for the music industry. From venues to bands, publications, record labels, photographers, management, road crew, the works, everyone has struggled. As the COVID-19 pandemic continued to rise, the music industry had to adapt to find new methods to keep music from falling. As the struggle continued, bands have found a way to make shows happen during a year with no concerts by making Livestream events happen. While a Livestream will never replace the experience from a live show, they opened the door to give us an experience during a challenging year for all. We want to thank every artist who has made this happen. And while not everyone made the cut on our favorite Liivestreams, we are beyond thankful to all who have stepped up to thees challenges to bring joy to their fans and for the fans who stepped up to support bands, venues, and those who have been hit this year. With that being said, here are Metal Insider’s Top 15 Livestreams of 2020.
15) Moonspell – Halloween Livestream
While the event was rescheduled due to COVID-19, Moonspell’s performance was a mix between a live show and a Global Livestream event. It not only showed how other countries have progressed, where there were social distancing and restrictions set inside but to allow concerts to happen. Allowing having a live audience and offering a Livestream will most likely change the formatting for future shows. Moonspell is perhaps one of the best bands to hold a Halloween themed concert, and it was a genuine live experience.
https://youtu.be/6U9bC4gLaXE
14) Baroness – Gold & Gey Livestream
Metal Insider’s Jeff Podoshen described Baroness’ Gold & Grey livestream as “Perfect.”
13) Unleash The Archers – Abyss Record Release Virtual Event
In terms of good surprises for 2020, Unleash the Archers should take home the gold with their fantastic record, Abyss. The album even landed on Bram’s Top Ten Albums of the year. When the band introduced the album live back in August, they gave us the live experience we all miss as you could see singer Brittney Slayes visibly missing the crowd. While 2020 was an evident struggle for all of us, the group pushed through and gave us a set that we would have loved to see at venues such as The Gramercy Theatre in New York City.
12) Katatonia – City Burials – Livestream
A few years ago, it was uncertain when Katatonia would return from their hiatus. Luckily, their comeback occurred during such a crazy year, and City Burials is one beautiful record. When Katatonia introduced the album via their Livestream, the stream included hiccups and mistakes that you would see at any live show. While performance wise was impeccable, they also brought that natural rawness we all miss seeing at a live setting.
11) Vulture Industries – June Livestream Event
Avant-garde progressive rockers Vulture Industries held a Livestream event at the Vestindien in Bergen, NO, over the summer, which was made free for their fans, and it’s still available.
