A number of artists and musicians have turned to immersive technology such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in order to give fans a closer look at exclusive concerts, or provide a new perspective on music videos. Rock band Muse are also embracing the technology as part of its new tour to support its new album, Simulation Theory.
Muse have become known for their showmanship and spectacular staging, which in the past has included sophisticated special effects, a rotating stage and lying drones. This time Muse have partnered with Microsoft to bring VR and mixed reality (MR) to its newest show.
Fans will be able to buy an ‘Enhanced Experience’ package, which will not only provide a front-row seat, but will also let fans get access to a specially created Muse Mixed Reality Pre-Show Party, which is being powered by Microsoft.
The pre-show party will let users take part in three different VR videogames which have been inspired by songs from the Simulation Theory album. There will also be the ability to take selfies with stage props and memorabilia from music videos. An exclusive show poster and ‘Thought Contagion’ lunchbox are also included in the package.
The Simulation Theory World Tour is set to head to North America, the UK and Russia. Fans will be able to pre-order the album up until 8th November for pre-sale access on 13th November.
For those less keen on the VR pre-show, a Premium Ticket bundle is also available, which doesn’t include the VR party. Further information about ticket bundles can be found on the official tour website. Tickets will go on general sale on 16th November.
Tour dates are as follows:
- 02/22 – Houston, TX @ Toyota Center
- 02/24 – Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center
- 02/26 – Phoenix, AZ @ Talking Stick Resort Arena
- 02/28 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Vivint Smart Home Arena
- 03/02 – Las Vegas, NV @ Mandalay Bay Events Center
- 03/05 – San Diego, CA @ Valley View Casino Center
- 03/07 – Sacramento, CA @ Golden 1 Center
- 03/09 – Oakland, CA @ Oracle Arena
- 03/24 – Sunrise, FL @ BB&T Center
- 03/26 – Atlanta, GA @ State Farm Arena
- 03/28 – Toronto, ON @ Scotiabank Arena
- 03/30 – Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre
- 03/31 – Quebec, QC @ City Videotron Centre
- 04/02 – Washington, DC @ Capital One Arena
- 04/04 – Detroit, MI @ Little Caesar’s Arena
- 04/07 – Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center
- 04/10 – Boston, MA @ TD Garden
- 05/26 – Prague, CZ @ Letnany Airport
- 05/28 – Budapest, HU @ Papp Laszlo Sports Arena
- 05/29 – Graz, AT @ Stadthalle Graz
- 06/01 – London, UK @ London Stadium
- 06/08 – Manchester, UK @ Etihad Stadium
- 06/12 – Riga, LV @ Arena Riga
- 06/16 – Moscow, RU @ Luzhniki Stadium
- 06/18 – Helsinki, FI @ Suvilahti Open Air
- 06/22 – Krakow, PL @ Tauron Arena Krakow
- 06/27 – Nijmegen, NL @ Goffertpark
- 06/29 – Cologne, DE @ Rhein Energie Stadion
- 07/03 – Zurich, CH @ Hallenstadion
- 07/06 – Paris, FR @ Stade de France
- 07/09 – Marseille, FR @ Stade Orange Velodrome
- 07/12 – Milan, IT @ San Siro Stadium
- 07/16 – Bordeaux, FR @ Matmut Atlantique
- 07/20 – Rome, IT @ Stadio Olimpico
- 07/24 – Lisbon, PT @ Passeio Martimo de Alges
- 07/26 – Madrid, ES @ Wanda Metropolitano
For future coverage on new uses for VR technology, keep checking back with VRFocus.