Coldplay singer Chris Martin and Death Cab For Cutie frontman Ben Gibbard are among the artists who are turning to livestreaming to stay in touch with their fans during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Martin streamed a mini concert on Monday (March 16th) as part of Instagram’s “Together, at Home” virtual charity series. In addition to Coldplay hits like “Trouble” and “Yellow,” the singer played a cover of David Bowie‘s “Life On Mars” and took fan requests.
Gibbard, meanwhile, began a daily streaming series called “Live From Home” on Tuesday (March 17th) at 7:00 p.m. ET. The indie rocker says he hopes to take requests and possibly feature some special guests as the series continues.
Gibbard said, “I know you are all freaked out right now. I am, too. And while I’m proud that we’re all doing the necessary things at the moment to help flatten the curve, I know it has left us incredibly isolated . . . Some of you have traveled great distances and/or shelled out large sums of money to see us play and that has never been lost on me. So in this crazy unprecedented time, I’d like to return my favor by coming to you.”
Other artists who have staged or plan to initiate live performances via streaming include Yungblud, John Legend, Neil Young, Keith Urban, the Dropkick Murphys, Code Orange, Garth Brooks and more.