Flaming Lips were the band trailblazers to embrace ‘a new kind of gig’ during the pandemic – with the weird and wonderful.

But why are we in those things and is this set to stay?
In a first for many, The Flaming Lips – who are known for singles such as, Do you Realize?? and Race for the Prize – are the first band telling everyone who had doubts – that we CAN enjoy live music this year – just have to do it in a massive Zorb ball.
_____________________
“Do you realize
We’re floating in space”
– The Flaming Lips, Do you Realize??
[Very fitting, eh?]
______________________

Offering water, air conditioning and a sign system to ensure that fans are taken care of – including pissing – the Zorb balls have been rolled into the ‘new normal’ for enjoying live music in 2021, while also adhering to social distancing guidelines – which is even better.
Not only that, but they also have a fancy “high frequency supplemental speaker” inside so the music cannot be heard without that annoying muted sound – a bit like when someone has their hands over your ears.

Almost providing a twist and added adventure to the normality of seeing a gig, it has certainly lifted people’s spirits in seeing live music sooner rather than later.
To be perfectly honest, I had my doubts in regards to fire safety concerns, but once I shredded the rule book of responsibility up, it looks just like a load of fun, and that’s all we’re looking for really.
Whether or not we can acclimatise to a festival setting, is another story. With Glastonbury 2021 cancelled for another year, many avid fans may be seeing this as an excuse to try out this approach.
As long as we pick the right venues with another space for set up before hand and the corresponding staff adhere responsibly, I don’t see why not this idea cannot be replicated with other gigs and artists?
Hmm .. what are your thoughts with this one?
This seems to be a more acceptable compromise for the rest of the world to take on board for live music and events – let’s not talk about New Zealand shall we? …
20,000 people in New Zealand attend biggest concert since lockdown
The Importance of Making a Scene: Controversy in Music
Controversy in music has been around for decades. From songs involved in plagiarism where an artist has nabbed the same bars or so, to music censorship and its subsequent murder – even to the calamities of live performances with the cynical attempts of miming, auto-tuning and generally being an arse to your fans while on… Read more The Importance of Making a Scene: Controversy in Music
Let’s Talk: Is there any personality in music anymore?
Looking back over the years and playing your favourite music from past eras – the 70s and 80s – it is so liberating to hear music strife with personality, creativity and dexterity. With the change in style, creative process and actual genre, you can see the shift how the dynamic has changed, with physical instruments… Read more Let’s Talk: Is there any personality in music anymore?
Rise of BTS: Why is K-Pop so Popular?
DYNAMITE: the first act whose songs are not predominantly sung in English – and the first artist to win outside the west. The phenomenon of BTS – the telling of the infamous genre of K-Pop – have beat pop queen and music idol Taylor Swift to the top-spot throne by being named best-selling artist in… Read more Rise of BTS: Why is K-Pop so Popular?
It’s so ????? weird ! I hope it’s funny in the end
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha me too! Looking forward to this coming to a city near me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You will tell! It gives the impression that we’re going to suffocate in this bubble – because with the Covid, I imagine we have to “isolate” the air vents?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah that’s certainly a thought, I hadn’t thought of that! I think they are pumped their own air conditioning throughout their bubble so there’s no risk of that happening. Time will tell if this idea takes off though, especially with all the risk it seemingly brings with it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
it’s not that simple, this stuff – it looks simple!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah that’s true – still, haven’t heard of any cases since the gig so guess that’s something?
LikeLike
Yes, I think it’s been a technical challenge but I’m sure that it’s well done and it works without a hitch. – I have a side: so, technically speaking, what does it look like? How did you do it? – it’s the old pro who wakes up when I see cool stuff like this 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person