todd rundgren is about to launch a geofenced virtual tour

Todd Rundgren's Innovative Virtual Concert Tour

While seemingly a product of pandemic necessity, musician Todd Rundgren reveals he has contemplated a virtual tour concept for several years.

Rundgren expressed his growing dissatisfaction with the increasingly unreliable air travel infrastructure—compounded by factors like hurricanes and climate change—which frequently left him stranded and unable to reach scheduled performances.

This prompted him to proactively consider alternative methods for connecting with his audience. However, the COVID-19 pandemic ultimately served as the catalyst for realizing this vision.

The Clearly Human Tour

Rundgren’s “Clearly Human Tour” commenced on February 14th. He had initially planned a traditional tour, but repeated postponements due to the pandemic led him to insist on pursuing this virtual alternative.

The artist and his band will perform entirely from a single location in Chicago. Their setlist will encompass selections from throughout Rundgren’s extensive career, including a complete performance of his album “Nearly Human.”

Despite the centralized performance location, the tour will virtually visit 25 cities across the United States, beginning in Buffalo and concluding in Seattle on March 22nd.

A Focus on Localization and the Live Experience

Rundgren deliberately chose a multi-city virtual tour over a single broadcast to all viewers. He believes this approach fosters a more engaging and communal experience.

Localization is key, as performances are scheduled for 8 p.m. in each respective time zone. This allows fans to participate in a live event tailored to their local schedule.

To enhance the immersive atmosphere, the band intends to create a simulated concert environment. This includes decorating the performance space with posters and memorabilia, and even sourcing food from local restaurants.

Interactive Elements and Geofencing

The tour will also incorporate virtual meet-and-greets with fans from each city. Video screens will display virtual audience members, creating a sense of shared presence.

A limited number of in-person tickets are available for those in Chicago, allowing a small physical audience to attend the performances.

The concerts are geofenced, though Rundgren clarifies that the strategy has evolved. The primary goal is to adhere to contractual obligations regarding geographic restrictions, effectively limiting access based on location.

NoCap and the Future of Virtual Concerts

Rundgren is collaborating with NoCap, a livestreaming concert startup founded by Cisco Adler and Donavon Frankenreiter, to stage the tour.

NoCap has experienced rapid growth, increasing ticket sales from 700 for its inaugural show to 30,000-50,000 tickets per event. Adler anticipates that virtual concerts will remain popular even after the pandemic subsides.

He suggests a hybrid model will emerge, allowing artists to reach previously underserved markets. Televising sports has expanded their reach, and Adler envisions a similar effect for music.

Adler views livestreaming not as a temporary solution, but as a means of redefining the potential of music and expanding its accessibility.

He stated that his focus was not on simply bridging a gap, but on constructing a pathway to a new era for musical performance.