Justin Bieber, BTS, KISS and other musicians ringing in 2021 with livestream concerts
New Year's Eve this year will be like never before.
The coronavirus pandemic has upended pretty much every aspect of our lives in 2020, especially when it comes to getting together in large groups, as is the tradition on Dec. 31. Beloved events worldwide have been canceled to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19 as vaccines begin to be rolled out. New York's world-famous Times Square ball drop, for instance, won't be open to the public.
Fans can watch "Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2021" on ABC beginning at 8 p.m. ET with performances by Jennifer Lopez, Machine Gun Kelly, Miley Cyrus and Megan Thee Stallion.
If "New Year’s Rockin’ Eve" isn't really your speed, a number of musicians are staging their own New Year's Eve concerts. And since 2020 is over but the pandemic is still here, they are livestreaming their shows for fans across the world. Here are five such events to consider:
KISS
The rockers head to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, for what they say will be "the largest and most bombastic celebration in our and anyone else’s history." While the performance, set to take place at Atlantis, The Palm hotel in Dubai, is timed to the arrival of midnight in Dubai (3 p.m. ET), a replay will be available so fans around the globe can sync up the countdown no matter which time zone they're in.
“After nine months of this pandemic darkness, the world may finally be seeing light of day," KISS members said in a statement. "We all need it. We all deserve it. Here’s to 2021.”
Tickets start at $39.99, which allows for live viewing and a replay for up to 24 hours. The priciest package ($999.99) gives you replays for 30 days, a limited edition DVD/Blu-ray, T-shirt, hoodie and autographed poster, among other goodies. Head to kissonline.com to purchase.
Justin Bieber
If you've got Bieber fever, this is the stream for you. It'll be the singer's first live concert since 2017.
The show kicks off at 10:15 p.m. ET. If you're a T-Mobile customer, you can get free access through the T-Mobile Tuesdays app or at JustinBieberNYE.com. For everyone else, tickets cost $25. Access to replays will be available until 3 p.m. Friday.
In a statement, Bieber referred to the concert as "a safe way to kick 2020 out the door, together."
BTS
The team behind "Dynamite" will be joined by a number of other K-pop sensations from their record label Big Hit. Others set to perform are Halsey, Lauv and Steve Aoki.
If this is your pick, you'll have to get up early: Timed to midnight in Korea, it'll air live at 7:30 a.m. ET. An option that allows you to choose from four camera angles runs about $45. Get the Weverse Shop app to purchase.
The Avett Brothers
Brothers Scott and Seth Avett are among those counting down to 2021 online. They'll be joined by the full band for the broadcast that will originate from Charlotte, North Carolina, where the Avett Brothers held a pair of drive-in concerts earlier this year.
Showtime is 8 p.m. ET. Tickets to watch in HD are $39.99 and the 4K broadcast will set you back $49.99. Buy them at nugs.net.
Lucinda Williams
Hear the sixth and final installment in Williams' coronavirus-inspired livestream series, Lu's Jukebox. This time, she'll be covering tunes from the Rolling Stones.
“We’ve actually wanted to do a cover series for a long time now, but never had the time with my touring schedule,” Williams said in a statement. “I guess the silver lining in all of this has been to be able to really get inside the songs of some of my favorite artists – see what makes them tick."
The show kicks off at 8 p.m. ET. Buy tickets at mandolin.com. Packages start at $20.
Whichever stream you choose, Happy New Year! Here's hoping 2021 is a bit more ... normal.