For the Flaming Lips concert in Oklahoma, the band came up with the idea of having both the band and the audience in individual inflatable balls.
Each show accommodated 100 bubbles, holding up to three people each, with the band inside their own capsules.
Bubbles before the concert.
The concept was inspired by frontman Wayne Coyne, who often rolls over the crowd in a ‘Zorb ball’ during the band’s gigs.
“It’s a very restricted, weird event. But the weirdness is so we can enjoy a concert before putting our families and everybody at risk,’ Coyne said, adding that it would be “safer than going to the grocery store”.
But what about the sound?
Inside each bubble was a high-frequency supplemental speaker – which helped prevent the sound being muffled – as well as a water bottle, a battery-operated fan, a towel, and an “I gotta go pee/hot in here” sign.
We imagine that it would get hot inside the bubbles, especially with all the dancing but the organizers thought of that too. When the bubble got steamy, workmen refilled it with cool air using a leaf blower.
What about a potty break?
Just put on a mask and raise the ‘I gotta go Pee’ sign.
Is the future of concerts?