Kelly Clarkson, Jamiroquai added to virtual reality platform
MelodyVR, the only licensed music virtual reality (VR) company, has partnered with four new artists, bringing shows from Kelly Clarkson, Jamiroquai, Bullet For My Valentine and Plan B to its platform.
MelodyVR captured Clarkson’s recent hometown show in Dallas, allowing viewers to watch the show from nine different perspectives, including from on stage, through the MelodyVR app on participating VR headsets.
Clarkson, who describes the the experience of watching the VR shows as “weird, but awesome”, says the VR platform is a good way for fans who are unable to attend her concerts to see the show.
“I’m pleased to be able to share this show in an exciting and immersive way, thanks to the team at MelodyVR”
The music VR company teamed up with Jamiroquai at London’s O2 Arena (20,000-cap.). Lead singer Jay Kay comments: “The O2 has always been a special gig for me, and the last two were no exception. I’m pleased to be able to share this show with you in an exciting and immersive way, thanks to the team at MelodyVR.”
Bullet For My Valentine’s Alexandra Palace (10,400-cap.) concert and Plan B’s O2 Brixton Academy (4,920-cap.) show also appear on the VR platform.
MelodyVR has broadcast multiple performances since its first ‘Live in VR’ event in December 2018. The company has partnered with a range of international artists to build a library of virtual reality music experiences. Shows by the Streets, Thomas Rhett, Rudimental, Calum Scott and the Horrors appeared on the platform earlier this year.
The MelodyVR app is available on Oculus Go and GearVR devices.
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Dubai Jazz Festival rounds out 2019 headliners
Alicia Keys has been announced as the third and final headliner for Dubai Jazz Festival 2019, the first edition of the long-running event under new owner Done Events.
Joining the previously announced Snow Patrol, who will headline on Wednesday 20 February, are Jamiroquai, who will top the bill on Thursday 21 February, and Alicia Keys, who takes headliner duties on Friday 22 February, the final day of the festival.
Both acts last played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2013.
Three-day festival tickets for Dubai Jazz 2019 went on sale today via www.dubaijazzfest.com and Virgin Megastores across the UAE.
Dubai Jazz Festival, which celebrates its 17th edition in 2019, was acquired by Done Events, the promoter of RedFestDXB and largest events firm in the region, earlier this month.
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The O2 announces tenth birthday shows
After securing a naming-rights deal with O2 for a further ten years, AEG’s The O2 in London has announced a new concert series to celebrate ten years since its opening.
Running from 16 to 24 June, the Tenth Birthday Shows series will kick off with a performance by alt-J and end with Jamiroquai’s biggest UK headline show since 2011. Further acts will be revealed “imminently”, says the 21,000-cap. venue.
The O2’s programming director, Emma Bownes, comments: “The O2 has always been the home of unforgettable live experiences and we’ve had some incredible acts take to the stage and make history over the past ten years.
“We wanted to mark our ten-year milestone by inviting artists and fans to come together and celebrate with us. We’ve brought together a selection of world-class artists to mark our ten years and it’s shaping up to be brilliant. We can’t wait.”
Nina Bibby, CMO of naming partner O2, adds: “This summer we’re celebrating ten fantastic years of unforgettable live experiences at the world’s most successful music and entertainment venue, so we’re putting on a celebration for artists and fans to help us mark the occasion.”
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