“Live music… has a powerful message of unity between all people that is very important during these times”, music student Ella Goette said.

Students feel online concerts during the COVID-19 pandemic have had some up sides and some definite downsides to them. There is something about the buzz of an actual concert that can not be replaced by a screen, and sitting at home. There are many ways to show unity and one of those ways is feeling like music is normal again.

Different musicians have come together to create an online experience for the world duets like John Legend and Sam Smith singing “Stand by Me” for the One World Together at Home concert in the beginning of quarantine showed people, it is ok to be alone, but there is always someone to finish their duet out there and they need to reach out.

“Live music has obviously changed immensely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I feel as if this performance really highlighted that change. John Legend and Sam Smith are both incredibly talented artists, but they may have never collaborated had it not been for the limited performance opportunities available during the pandemic. ‘Stand by me’ has a powerful message of unity between all people that is very important during these times,” Goette said.

She’s right, keeping people together in this impossible time is one of the most important things we can do. Even though most teenagers have not been to a live concert many students agree on a common view of concerts, they are incomplete if they are not in person. All of the students said in some way a big part of the concert is actually being there and that being online could not replace that.

Junior Katie Liss is no stranger to the concert scene being to around 12 concerts at just 16, she said, “Yes I do [think concerts have something to them that you can’t experience through a screen]. I think that experiencing the electricity and energy that flows through a concert arena is the most magical part. Even seeing the musician from the highest seats in the venue is still worth it. Being there and getting even the opportunity to be there in person is so special to me. I think online concerts wouldn’t be the same but at least it would try to restore some type of normalcy for musicians.”

Through this difficult time some students feel people will change how they see concerts going forward, whether for the better or the worse, the overall view of a concert will be changed forever. Some people do feel like having their own space during a concert is a nice change and other people like being thrown around with dozens of people smushed into one small space singing a song you all love at the top of your lungs.

When asked how he thinks people will react to the new way of concerts senior Jacob Helke thinks people will be unhappy with the fact that we can not be in person, but will understand.

“Being in person is an important part of the concert, online doesn’t have the same effect, but it is a good substitute for the time being during the pandemic,” Helke added.

Sharing music one way, many screens during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The moving music from Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift, John Legend, Sam smith, and many more talented artists have touched the hearts of millions as an attempt to keep people connected. Although the message of unity is clear there is nothing that could replace the feel the energy of the crowd reacting to the art being performed right in front of them. There is no like button for the real world and people need to keep that in mind if they think about changing concerts for good.

Live music has obviously changed immensely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I feel as if this performance really highlighted that change. John legend and Sam Smith are both incredibly talented artist, but they may have never collaborated had it not been for the limited performance opportunities available during the pandemic. “Stand by me“ has a powerful message of unity between all people that is very important during these times.”