We’ve Come a Long, Long Way Together – the concert experience that heralded a new beginning for live shows
International DJ Fatboy Slim brought an explosion of musical creativity to the SSE Wembley Arena on Friday 5 November. With fans packed in tightly together, arms in the air and around each other, it would be easy to think that the past 18 months hadn’t changed a thing.
But it wasn’t just the in-person fans that were treated to what was an epic Fatboy Slim experience. Fans worldwide were able to join the concert from wherever they were in a first-of-its-kind immersive streaming experience of the show. Produced and co-ordinated by live-streaming experts Groovy Gecko, the cameras took the audience at home into the crowd, amongst the waving arms and jumping bodies. Tickets and access to the show was provided by NoCap Shows, a platform for online music and entertainment performances.
A state-of-the-art camera set-up gave an ever-moving view of Fatboy Slim, centred in the iconic yellow smiley face crossbones he used as his stage. Fans were given a 360-degree view of the 90-minute concert in all its glory, and some might say an even better visual experience than being there in person. The stream enabled people from all over the world to attend the epic event while travel is still uncertain.
Live stream viewers were not only able to dive into the concert’s lights, colours and shapes from all angles, but were also given exclusive access to behind-the-scenes content. VIP viewers had access to Fatboy Slim himself in a Q&A style pre-show chat with viewers, plus were given a full venue tour – showing on stage, under the stage, the arena, and views from the front row. Typically, VIP backstage tours at concerts are money-can’t-buy experiences, but Fatboy Slim offered this experience to fans for just £15.
“Fatboy Slim wanted to bring fans from all over the world together in this immersive live experience – and did just that. The pandemic forced artists to consider new ways of engaging with audiences, and even though in-person concerts are back, the value of hybrid elements are here to stay,” said Jake Ward, from Groovy Gecko.
“We worked closely with Fatboy Slim and his team to create an immersive, connective, as-if-you-were-there experience for the fans at home, combining our production and live streaming expertise to deliver an incredible show.”
Katy Ellis, Manager at Anglo Management, said: “Bringing Fatboy Slim’s vision to life for this concert was made easy with Groovy Gecko’s skills and capabilities. The team’s creativity and attention to detail made for a seamless production, plus a highly engaging experience for fans all over the world. We are also extremely grateful for Levi Jackson at WME and Mark Fabish at BMG for co-producing the show.”
Having always been an innovator, it is no surprise that Fatboy Slim has been the one to invigorate the UK live music scene with this hybrid event – creating a one-of-a-kind experience that highlighted the uplifting atmosphere of live music and importance of inclusivity for all.
Wanda Rich has been the Editor-in-Chief of Global Banking & Finance Review since 2011, playing a pivotal role in shaping the publication’s content and direction. Under her leadership, the magazine has expanded its global reach and established itself as a trusted source of information and analysis across various financial sectors. She is known for conducting exclusive interviews with industry leaders and oversees the Global Banking & Finance Awards, which recognize innovation and leadership in finance. In addition to Global Banking & Finance Review, Wanda also serves as editor for numerous other platforms, including Asset Digest, Biz Dispatch, Blockchain Tribune, Business Express, Brands Journal, Companies Digest, Economy Standard, Entrepreneur Tribune, Finance Digest, Fintech Herald, Global Islamic Finance Magazine, International Releases, Online World News, Luxury Adviser, Palmbay Herald, Startup Observer, Technology Dispatch, Trading Herald, and Wealth Tribune.