| Part ofa series on the |
| COVID-19 pandemic |
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Medical response |
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TheCOVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the music industry, mirroring itsimpacts across all arts sectors. Numerous music events, including music festivals, concert tours, and award shows, have been cancelled or postponed. While some musicians and composers were able to use the time to create new works, there were flow-on effects on the many supporting people who relied on performers for their income.[1] Various album releases have been delayed as well.[2][3][4]Pollstar estimated the total lost revenue for thelive music industry in 2020 at more than $30 billion.[5]
Many concert tours,[6] music festivals, and other events were canceled or postponed.[7][8]
| Name | Location | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASCAP Experience | InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown,Los Angeles,California, U.S. | 2020 edition cancelled. | [16] |
| FastForward | Studios 301,Sydney,New South Wales, Australia | 2020 edition cancelled. | [16] |
| International Music Summit | Ibiza,Balearic Islands, Spain | Postponed until further notice. Virtual version of the event will take place. | [16] |
| Midem | Palais des Festivals et des Congrès,Cannes, France | 2020 edition moved online. | [16] |
| Music Biz 2020 | JW Marriott Nashville,Nashville,Tennessee, U.S. | Postponed. Rescheduled to August 16–19, 2020. | [16] |
| Winter Music Conference | Miami,Florida, U.S. | Postponed until further notice. | [91] |
| Artist | Venue | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bad Bunny | Hiram Bithorn Stadium,San Juan, Puerto Rico | Rescheduled to October 30 and 31, 2020. | [16] |
| Car Seat Headrest | Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art,North Adams, Massachusetts, U.S. | Rescheduled to September 4, 2020. | [16] |
| Charli XCX | El Plaza Condesa,Mexico City, Mexico | Rescheduled to October 21, 2020. | [10] |
| Chris Tomlin | Bridgestone Arena,Nashville,Tennessee, U.S. | Tomlin's annual "Good Friday Nashville" concert postponed. | [16] |
| Ciara | USOFort Hood,Killeen, Texas, U.S. | Postponed until further notice. | [16] |
| Glass Animals | Neumos,Seattle,Washington, U.S. | Concert cancelled. | [16] |
| Josh Groban | Radio City Music Hall,New York City,New York, U.S. | Groban's "Great Big Radio City Show" postponed to October 5, 2020. | [16] |
| Juanes | Movistar Arena,Bogotá, Colombia | Juanes' "Para Todos" show postponed until further notice. | [16] |
| Liam Gallagher | Heaton Park,Manchester, England | Concert cancelled. | [92] |
| Mariah Carey | Neal S. Blaisdell Center,Honolulu,Hawaii, U.S. | Postponed to November 28, 2020. | [16] |
| Tour | Artist | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11:11 World Tour | Maluma | Select dates of the European leg postponed until further notice. | [16] |
| 20th Anniversary Tour | Murder by Death | All spring dates postponed until further notice. | [93] |
| 2020 Tour | Against Me! | Spring tour dates and summer co-headlining tour withBaroness both canceled | [94] |
| 2020 Tour | Bon Jovi | Tour cancelled. | [95] |
| 2020 Tour | Bhad Bhabie | Tour cancelled. | [96] |
| 2020 Tour | Dev Hynes | North American shows postponed. | [10] |
| 2020 Tour | Disclosure | European shows postponed. | [10] |
| 2020 Tour | Iggy Pop | Shows inMontpellier andBesançon cancelled. Shows inMonaco,Marseille,Lyon,Strasbourg, andNantes rescheduled to September 2020. | [10] |
| 2020 Tour | Maroon 5 | Final two shows of the South American leg and all shows in the North American leg has been rescheduled to both from the 2021 Tour and theWorld Tour 2022, respectively. Maroon 5 has already concluded nine shows in South America. | [97][98] |
| 2020 Tour | Matchbox Twenty | Tour cancelled, with the rescheduled dates will be billed as the 2021 Tour. | [99] |
| 2020 Tour | The National | North American shows postponed. | [100] |
| 2020 Tour | Tones and I | European shows postponed until further notice. Australian shows rescheduled to September 2020. | [10][101] |
| 2020 Tour | Pixies | Shows inBrisbane,Sydney, andPerth postponed until further notice. | [10] |
| 2020 Tour | Umphrey's McGee | Various dates, including spring concerts in California, Indiana, and Missouri were postponed to the fall. The band's Rockjavik event inIceland was also postponed. | [102][103][104] |
| 2020 Tour | Lea Salonga | Shortly after performing in Dubai, the North American tour was postponed, then again postponed to Fall 2021, and finally to Spring 2022. The postponed tour was later renamedThe Dream Again Tour and a UK leg was added. | [105][106][107][108][109] |
| 2020 Monsta X World Tour | Monsta X | North American leg postponed until further notice. | [110] |
| 2020 North American Tour | Mandy Moore | Tour cancelled. | [111][112] |
| 2021 Tour | Matchbox Twenty | This tour was previously announced as the 2020 Tour is cancelled, with dates has now been moved to 2022. | [113] |
| 2022 Tour | Matchbox Twenty | This tour was previously announced as the 2020 Tour and 2021 Tour is cancelled, with dates has now been moved to 2023. | [114] |
| 2022 UK & Ireland Tour | Sigrid | Tour rescheduled to November 2022. | [115] |
| 30th Anniversary Tour | Béla Fleck and the Flecktones | All March and April concerts postponed | [116] |
| 30th Anniversary Tour | The House of Love | All dates postponed. | [117] |
| American Standard Tour | James Taylor andJackson Browne | All summer dates postponed | [118] |
| April/May Van Tour 2020 | Foo Fighters | Postponed to October 2020, then cancelled. | [34] |
| The Awards Tour | NCT 127 | All North American shows canceled. | [119] |
| The (Arena) Tour | Dan + Shay | March and April shows postponed. Rescheduled to July, August, September, and October 2020. The duo has already concluded three shows with two in Nashville and one in Columbus. | [120] |
| Australia! 2020 Tour – Back | Tim Minchin | Shows in Sydney, Newcastle, Melbourne and Brisbane postponed. | [121] |
| Brightest Blue Tour | Ellie Goulding | Tour rescheduled to October 2021 | [122] |
| Burn the Ships World Tour | For King & Country | Canadian dates postponed and were eventually cancelled. The band visited a number of stops in 2023 as part of theirWhat Are We Waiting For Tour. | [123][124] |
| Chillaxification Tour | Kenny Chesney | First 11 shows in the United States postponed. | [16] |
| Chris Stapleton's All-American Road Show Tour | Chris Stapleton | Show inBirmingham, Alabama cancelled. Shows inBiloxi,Austin, andArlington rescheduled to September 2020. | [10] |
| The Chromatica Ball | Lady Gaga | Tour dates postponed until 2021. | [125] |
| The Confetti Tour | Little Mix | UK dates postponed until 2022. | [126] |
| Courage World Tour | Celine Dion | March and April shows of the North American leg postponed until further notice. | [16] |
| Dave & Kris Go to Europe: Acoustic Tour 2020 | David Cook andKris Allen | Tour cancelled, with the rescheduled dates rescheduled to August 2020 and the tour will be billed as Dave & Kris Go to Europe: Take 2. | [127] |
| The Dedicated Tour | Carly Rae Jepsen | North American leg cancelled. | [128][129][130] |
| Dinah Jane World Tour | Dinah Jane | Tour postponed. | [131] |
| D.R.E.A.M. The Tour | JoJo Siwa | North American leg postponed twice from 2020 and 2021, with the rescheduled dates in 2022. | [132] |
| End of the Road World Tour | Kiss | Europe and United States legs postponed to summer and fall 2021. | [133][134] |
| An Evening with Michael Bublé | Michael Bublé | Half of the North American leg postponed until further notice. | [16] |
| Farewell Yellow Brick Road | Elton John | 19 North American concerts rescheduled to 2021. | [135] |
| Flood 30th Anniversary Tour | They Might Be Giants | March and April dates postponed | [136] |
| Free Spirit World Tour | Khalid | Asian leg postponed until further notice. | [16] |
| Free Time World Tour | Ruel | Asian leg postponed until further notice. | [16] |
| Friends and Heroes Tour | Blake Shelton | Final two weekend shows postponed until Spring 2021. | [16] |
| Future Nostalgia Tour | Dua Lipa | All shows rescheduled to January 2021.Copenhagen,Stockholm, andOslo shows cancelled.Vienna andMunich shows postponed until further notice. | [137] |
| Gigaton Tour | Pearl Jam | North American leg postponed until further notice. | [34] |
| Good to Know Tour | JoJo | Postponed in 2020 for dates in 2021, but later canceled entirely in January 2021. | [138] |
| The Great Bambino Tour 2020 | Action Bronson | Postponed until further notice. | [10] |
| Guns N' Roses 2020 Tour | Guns N' Roses | Latin American leg rescheduled to November 2020. | [16] |
| Head Above Water Tour | Avril Lavigne | European and Asian legs postponed until further notice. | [34] |
| Heavy Is The Head Tour | Stormzy | Show inZürich and Asian leg cancelled. | [139] |
| Heavy Love Tour | Louise | Remaining dates of the tour was postponed. Louise has already concluded 4 shows with her tour. | [140] |
| Hella Mega Tour | Green Day,Fall Out Boy, andWeezer | Asian leg postponed until further notice. | [34] |
| Here We Go Again Tour | Cher | North American spring dates rescheduled to fall 2020 | [141] |
| High Road Tour | Kesha | All shows postponed albeit later cancelled in May 2020. | [10] |
| Hotel California 2020 Tour | Eagles | All shows postponed and rescheduled to fall 2020 | [142] |
| Hot Pink Tour | Doja Cat | All shows postponed. | [139] |
| Human. :II: Nature. World Tour | Nightwish | All shows postponed. European shows rescheduled to May and June 2021, North American shows rescheduled to October 2021. | [143][144] |
| I Disagree Tour | Poppy | Eurasia dates postponed, later canceled in March 2021. | [145] |
| I, I Tour | Bon Iver | European leg postponed. Rescheduled to January 2021. | [146] |
| Ich hasse Kinder Tour | Lindemann | European leg postponed. Rescheduled to November 2022, then 2023. | [147][148] |
| I-Land: Who Am I | (G)I-dle | All shows canceled. | [149] |
| The Jesus and Mary Chain PlayDarklands | The Jesus and Mary Chain | European spring tour canceled, three UK dates rescheduled to 2021. | [150] |
| JoJo Tour 2022 | JoJo | 3 dates of the North American leg was cancelled due to COVID-19 capacity restrictions. | [151] |
| Justice World Tour | Justin Bieber | All shows are postponed until further notice. | [152] |
| K-12 Tour | Melanie Martinez | North American summer dates postponed until further notice. Martinez has already concluded 48 shows with her tour. | [153] |
| Kamaitachi Tour 2020 | Kyary Pamyu Pamyu | All shows canceled. | [154] |
| Kenny G Concert | Kenny G | Rescheduled show inGenting Highlands,Malaysia supposedly held in October 2020 was cancelled and a 2021 edition of the concert was planned for the second quarter of 2021, while shows inFlorida andSingapore postponed until further notice. | [155][156][157] |
| The Last Domino? Tour | Genesis | Tour postponed. Rescheduled to April 2021 | [158] |
| Louis Tomlinson World Tour | Louis Tomlinson | Show inMilan,Italy, cancelled. Shows inUkraine,Russia, Asia, Oceania, and Latin America postponed until further notice. | [16] |
| Love On Tour | Harry Styles | European leg postponed. Rescheduled to February 2021. | [159] |
| Lover Fest | Taylor Swift | Postponed in 2020 for dates in 2021, but later canceled entirely in February 2021. | [160][161] |
| Madame X Tour | Madonna | Final two shows inParis,France, cancelled. | [34] |
| Map of the Soul Tour | BTS | Entire tour cancelled. An alternative event, BTS Map of the Soul ON:E, was held online and took place on October 10 and 11, 2020. | [162][163] |
| Mind Hive Tour | Wire | All spring European and North American dates postponed. | [164] |
| Miraculous 2020 World Tour | Santana | All shows postponed. | [10] |
| Moving On! Tour | The Who | United Kingdom and Ireland shows postponed. Rescheduled to March 2021. | [165] |
| Miss Lauryn Hill Live in Concert | Lauryn Hill | Show inUpper Darby Township, Pennsylvania postponed until further notice. Show inNorthfield, Ohio rescheduled to September 9, 2020. | [10] |
| Music for Cars | The 1975 | North American leg in 2020 postponed for dates in 2021, but later cancelled entirely in January 2021. The 1975 has already concluded 149 shows for their tour. | [166][167] |
| My Chemical Romance Reunion Tour | My Chemical Romance | Oceania and Japan legs postponed until further notice. European and North American legs rescheduled to summer and fall 2021. | [34][168] |
| Neon Future IV: The Color of Noise Tour | Steve Aoki | All shows postponed. | [139] |
| Never Ending Tour 2020 | Bob Dylan | Shows in Japan cancelled. | [10] |
| Nice To Meet Ya Tour | Niall Horan | All shows cancelled. | [169] |
| The Nightfall Tour | Little Big Town | All shows postponed. Rescheduled to August 2020. | [34] |
| No Filter Tour | The Rolling Stones | Second North American leg postponed until September 2021, six shows cancelled. | [170] |
| No Shame Tour | 5 Seconds of Summer | All shows rescheduled to March 2021. SevenEurope leg shows and twoNorth American shows cancelled. | [171] |
| North American Tour | Tool | All spring 2020 tour dates postponed | [172] |
| Ocean 2020 Tour | Lady Antebellum /Lady A | Tour cancelled. | [173] |
| Ode to Joy Tour | Wilco | Shows inCalgary,Missoula,Salt Lake City,Seattle,Vancouver,Portland,Las Vegas, andCalifornia postponed until further notice. | [10] |
| Ol' Black Eyes Is Back: Alice Cooper | Alice Cooper | Spring 2020 North American leg postponed until further notice. | [10] |
| The Old Friends Acoustic Tour | Ben Rector | The concert began in November 2019, and most shows were cancelled by August 2020. | [174][175] |
| One More Haim Tour | Haim | All European tour dates postponed | [176] |
| OneRepublic: Live in Concert | OneRepublic | 2020 European leg rescheduled to 2021, then 2022. | [177] |
| The Owl Tour | Zac Brown Band | All shows cancelled. | [178] |
| Pentatonix: The World Tour | Pentatonix | European leg postponed until further notice. | [16] |
| Perfume 8th Tour 2020 "P Cubed" in Dome | Perfume | Final show inTokyo Dome on February 26, 2020, cancelled | [179] |
| Phoenix World Tour | Rita Ora | Remaining dates of the tour was cancelled and some were postponed until 2021. Ora has already concluded 50 shows with her tour. | |
| Public Service Announcement Tour | Rage Against the Machine | First half of its North American leg postponed until further notice. | [34] |
| Rammstein Stadium Tour | Rammstein | The North American and European legs has been postponed until 2021. | [180][181] |
| Reverie Tour | Ben Platt | North American leg postponed. Rescheduled to September 2022. | [182] |
| The Rhapsody Tour | Queen + Adam Lambert | European leg postponed. Rescheduled to May 2022. | [16] |
| Roar With The Lions Tour | Zac Brown Band | All shows cancelled. | [178] |
| The Romance Tour | Camila Cabello | All shows are postponed until further notice. | [34] |
| Runaway Tour | Post Malone | Some shows are cancelled and remaining dates postponed until further notice. | [183] |
| Saint Cloud Tour | Waxahatchee | All April and May dates postponed and are to be rescheduled for later in 2020. | [184] |
| Screamer Part 2 Tour | Third Eye Blind | Rescheduled to May 2020. | [139] |
| Sling Tour | Clairo | Tour postponed. | [185] |
| Summer Tour 2020 | Dave Matthews Band | All shows were rescheduled for Summer Tour 2021. | [186] |
| Summer Tour 2020 | Dead & Company | All shows cancelled | [187] |
| Summer Tour 2020 | Little Mix | Tour cancelled | [188] |
| Summer Tour 2020 | Phish | All shows postponed until summer 2021 | [189] |
| Summer Tour 2020 | Trey Anastasio Band | All shows cancelled; Anastasio and his band held an eight-week residency in the emptyBeacon Theatre in fall 2020, which was livestreamed onTwitch. | [190][191] |
| Sunshine Kitty Tour | Tove Lo | Final eight shows of her European leg postponed. | [10] |
| SuperM: We Are the Future Live | SuperM | The show in Tokyo Dome on April 23, 2020, postponed. | [192] |
| This Is Not a Drill Tour | Roger Waters | All North American dates postponed | [193] |
| Three. Two. One.: The Tour | Lennon Stella | Tour cancelled. | [194] |
| Time to Shine Tour | Ally Brooke | Tour cancelled. | [195] |
| Tomorrow's Modern Boxes Tour | Thom Yorke | North American leg postponed. | [10] |
| Tour for You | Tinashe | Tour cancelled. | [196] |
| Twicelights World Tour | Twice | Seoul and Tokyo shows cancelled. | [197][198] |
| Unfinished Business | The Pussycat Dolls | Entire tour cancelled. | [16][199] |
| The Us Tour | Laura Marano | Tour postponed to August 2022. | [200] |
| The Velvet Tour | Adam Lambert | European leg postponed until further notice. | [201] |
| We Don't Need This Fascist Groove Thang! Tour | Heaven 17 | All dates postponed, including the band's first-ever North American concerts. | [202] |
| We Paint Electric Rhythm Colour Tour | King Crimson | All dates postponed until 2021. | [203] |
| Where Do We Go? World Tour | Billie Eilish | Eilish has already concluded three shows in the North American leg. Rest of the tour cancelled and plans to move for a followup tour. | [204] |
| Wildcard Tour | Miranda Lambert | Remaining dates postponed until October 2020. | [205] |
| Winter Tour 2020 | Moe | Remainder of tour canceled, The band's Snoedown festival postponed until 2021. | [206][207] |
| Wonder: The World Tour | Shawn Mendes | European leg postponed from 2022 to 2023. Later, Mendes cancelled the entire tour due to his mental health. | [208][209] |
| Worlds Collide Tour | Evanescence andWithin Temptation | Tour postponed. First rescheduled to September 2020, then rescheduled again for September 2021, and a third time for April 2022. | [210] |
| WorldWired Tour | Metallica | South American dates rescheduled from April to December. | [211] |
| Title | Artist | Venue | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| David Lee Roth Rocks Vegas! | David Lee Roth | House of Blues Las Vegas | Last six shows postponed. | [16] |
| Diana Ross | Diana Ross | Encore Theater | Postponed until further notice. | [10] |
| Gwen Stefani – Just a Girl | Gwen Stefani | Zappos Theater | Final leg cancelled | [212] |
| Jonas Brothers in Vegas | Jonas Brothers | Park Theater | All shows cancelled. | [34] |
| Kelly Clarkson: Invincible | Kelly Clarkson | Zappos Theater | All shows from April to July 2020 cancelled. | [34] |
| Lady Gaga Enigma | Lady Gaga | Park Theater | First six shows of the fifth run were cancelled | [213] |
| Let's Go! | Shania Twain | Zappos Theater | All shows from March 18 to December 2020 were cancelled | [16] |
| Lionel Richie – Las Vegas | Lionel Richie | Encore Theater | Postponed until further notice. | [10] |
| Robbie Williams Live in Las Vegas | Robbie Williams | Encore Theater | Shows from March 24 to April 4, 2020, postponed. | [10] |
| Together in Vegas | Reba McEntire andBrooks & Dunn | The Colosseum at Caesars Palace | Postponed until June 2020. | [214] |
| ZZ Top: Viva Las Vegas | ZZ Top | The Venetian Theatre | Postponed until further notice. | [214] |
| Weekends with Adele | Adele | The Colosseum at Caesars Palace | 2022 residency postponed. | [215] |
| Name | Headliners | Venue | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bans Off My Body | Courtney Love andMelissa Auf der Maur | The Town Hall,New York City,New York, U.S. | Benefit concert promotinggender equality andaccess to sexual and reproductive health care cancelled. | [16] |
| Farm Aid | Dave Matthews,John Mellencamp,Willie Nelson with Lukas and Micah Nelson, andNeil Young | Various locations | Converted to a series of home shows that were broadcast as "At Home with Farm Aid" | [216] |
| Teenage Cancer Trust Concert | The Who andMumford & Sons | Royal Albert Hall,London, England | Postponed until further notice. | [10] |
| World Tour Bushfire Relief | Miley Cyrus andRobbie Williams | Lakeside Stadium,Melbourne,Victoria, Australia | Benefit concert raising funds for those affected by the2019-20 Australian bushfire season cancelled after headlinerMiley Cyrus withdrew of the event. | [139] |
| Event | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 55th Academy of Country Music Awards | Postponed to September 16, 2020. A television special, titledACM Presents: Our Country, was aired in place of the ceremony's original April 5, 2020, timeslot onCBS. | [217] |
| APRA Music Awards of 2020 | Rescheduled to May 26, 2020, and was presented as a streaming "virtual" event. | [16] |
| 2020 BET Awards | Presented as a streaming "virtual" event. | [218] |
| 2020 Billboard Music Awards | Postponed to October 14, 2020. | [17] |
| 2020 Billboard Latin Music Awards | Postponed to October 27, 2020. | [17] |
| 15th Canadian Folk Music Awards | Ceremony cancelled. Winners announced on live stream on April 4 | [219] |
| 18th Chopin Competition | Postponed to 2021 | [220] |
| Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2020 | Event was pushed through, thoughno live audience was admitted inside the venue, theRoyal Arena inCopenhagen. | [221] |
| 29th Detroit Music Awards | Live show suspended. An online streaming event was held in place of the ceremony. | [16] |
| Eurovision Song Contest 2020 | Competition cancelled, marking the first time that the contest was not held since it began in 1956. A live television program, titledEurovision: Europe Shine a Light, was broadcast in place of the show's grand final on May 16, 2020. | [222] |
| Eurovision Young Musicians 2020 | Competition cancelled. | [223] |
| 26th Fryderyk Awards | Ceremony cancelled. Originally, the ceremony was planned to take place without an audience, but it was scrapped. Instead, the winners were announced online. | [224] |
| 63rd Annual Grammy Awards | Rescheduled to March 14, 2021, following a surge in infections inLos Angeles County. | [225] |
| 2020 iHeartRadio Music Awards | Ceremony cancelled for the first time since the iteration of the event. Winners were revealed on September 4–7, 2020. A charity event, titlediHeart Living Room Concert for America, was aired in place of half of the ceremony's original March 29, 2020, timeslot onFox. | [226][227] |
| Juno Awards of 2020 | Ceremony cancelled and was changed to virtual winner reveal, rescheduled to June 29, 2020. It was the first time the Juno Awards was cancelled since 1988. | [228] |
| Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony | Rescheduled to November 7, 2020. A television special, titledThe Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2020 Inductions, was aired in place of the ceremony onHBO. | [34] |
| Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremony | Rescheduled to June 10, 2021. | [139] |
Several musical artists delayed the releases of albums amid the pandemic.[229] TheRecord Store Day, which would have seen the release of several re-issues and exclusive material, was rescheduled from April 18 to June 20.[230] But added with 3 dates: August 29, September 26, and October 24.[231] In contrast, some musical acts, such asDua Lipa,Sufjan Stevens, andLaura Marling, moved up the release dates of their upcoming albums.[232][233] Others, such asTaylor Swift,Nine Inch Nails,Phish,X, andFiona Apple, releasednew albums with little or no advanced notice.[234][235][236][237] Swift intended to release her 2019 song "Cruel Summer" as a single in early 2020, but the outbreak of the pandemic disrupted her plans.[238][239]
Many albums have had release dates pushed back as a result of the pandemic, including:[240]
Many artists elected to stream performances online. Virtual concerts, such as theiHeart Living Room Concert for America andTogether at Home, were organised to provide entertainment to the public, and to raise awareness methods to combat the virus, notablysocial distancing.[284][285] Artists such asChristine and the Queens,Ben Gibbard, andKatharine McPhee broadcast daily livestream performances from their homes.[286][287] Several major bands includingPink Floyd,Radiohead, andMetallica offered free livestreams of archival concerts,[288] as did several in thejam band scene, includingPhish,Dead & Company,Widespread Panic, andThe String Cheese Incident.[289][290]
In April 2020,Beyond Live, the first paid concert streaming service in the world which provides full-scaled live online concert aided by technology – including augmented reality and real-time interactions between artists and live audience – was launched to deliver K-pop concerts.[291][292] Since its creation, multiple K-pop artists have delivered full-length live concerts via this platform, and other K-pop entertainment enterprises started to produce virtual live concerts in similar format throughout 2020.
On May 27, 2020, One Love Asia brings all artists and YouTubers together to perform in one big virtual concert to heal the world against coronavirus and to protect and advance the welfare of all people.
In August 2020, the American singerBilallive streamed his three-dayremote recording of an experimental three-song EP titledVOYAGE-19. Spanning 54 hours, he wrote, recorded, and produce one song per day in virtual collaborations with producer Tariq Khan and 30 other musicians, includingErykah Badu,Robert Glasper,Keyon Harrold,Marcus Strickland,Raymond Angry,Ben Williams,Brandee Younger, andMarcus Gilmore. The stream simultaneously showed the EP's artwork being made, with a group of three visual artists enlisted for each song, includingAngelbert Metoyer. Proceeds from the sale of the broadcast's pre-order and the EP's digital download were distributed among the participants, a number of whom were struggling financially due to the pandemic.[293][294]
In November 2020,Taylor Swift released a concert film, titledFolklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions, toDisney+. The film saw Swift,Aaron Dessner andJack Antonoff quarantine themselves in an isolated recording studio and perform live every song from her eighth studio album,Folklore (2020).[295] In September 2021,Billie Eilish similarly released a concert film to Disney+, titledHappier Than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles, where she performed live every song from her second studio albumHappier Than Ever (2021) at an emptyHollywood Bowl alongside her brotherFinneas O'Connell, with guest appearances from well-known musical figures inLos Angeles.[296]
During the COVID-19 pandemic, retail sales of musical instruments and home-recording equipment increased sharply as people spent more time at home and pursued new creative activities.[297]
In theUnited Kingdom, the market for musical instruments expanded significantly in 2020 and 2021, driven by online sales and government restrictions that encouraged at-home entertainment. According to market research from IBISWorld, the UK musical instrument retail industry was valued at around £388 million in 2025, though this reflected a subsequent slowdown following an exceptional pandemic-era surge.[298]
Globally, research by Mordor Intelligence reported similar patterns, with the global musical instrument market growing through 2020-2022 due to increased online purchasing and a rise in first-time buyers.[299]
Largeonline retailers experienced substantial growth during this period. For instance, UK-basedGear4music reported £146.7 million in revenue for the year ending 31 March 2025, citing a pandemic-driven increase in online demand and later benefits from market consolidation.[300]
Although the pandemic temporarily expanded the market for instruments and music gear, the surge proved short-lived. As public life reopened and cost-of-living pressures increased, many retailers reported reduced volumes and tightening margins by 2023–2024.[301]
| Artist(s) | Song | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broadway Boys | "Nag-iisa" | This is a song that was released in 2020 that dedicates to frontliners and patients who survived the COVID-19 pandemic. Also it is a part of 500-year commemoration of Christianity, victory and humanity as part of the quincentennial commemorations. | |
| Raizo Chabeldin, Biv de Vera andABS-CBN regional news anchors | "Pag-ibig ang Hihilom sa Daigdig" | This is a song that was released by ABS-CBN on April 3, 2020, and performed by Raizo Chabeldin and Biv de Vera. Aside from "We Heal As One" that was released a week ago, the song inspires all the Filipinos to spread love and hope amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. At the end of the song, ABS-CBN's regional news anchors were also featured to sing "Don't share the hate and scare, spread never-ending love and care" two times, along with the real Kapamilyas from different provinces. It is the official theme song for ABS-CBN Foundation's Pantawid ng Pag-ibig. The music video was released on April 3, 2020. | |
| K-Pop artists | "We Can!" | This song interpolates Pinkfong's "Baby Shark". | [302] |
| Vice Ganda | "Corona Bye-Bye Na!" | This song was performed atABS-CBN'sPantawid ng Pag-ibig: At Home Together Concert, A Kapamilya Special Concert that hopes all Filipinos to follow the law to protect themselves from the COVID-19 pandemic widespread. Hosted byABS-CBN News and Current Affairs' correspondents,Alvin Elchico and Zen Hernandez. | |
| BTS | "Life Goes On" | The lyrics of the song have been described as uplifting and seeking to provide hope to fans during the pandemic. | [303] |
| BTS Skytrain Employees | "Covid-19: Dance Against the Virus" | This song was featured on online newspapers such as Hong Kong'sSouth China Morning Post, Indonesia'sThe Jakarta Post and Thailand'sThai Rath. It reminds passengers to wash their hands, wear a facemask, practice social distancing, and to stay home or go to the hospital for testing and treatment if infected. This is part of the train service's 20th anniversary campaign. | |
| CMC Vision Sisters | "Go Away Corona!" | A secular upbeat song to uplift and enlighten people for them to be safe against COVID-19. | |
| SB19 | "Ikako" | An SB19 song which encourages Filipinos to uplift their positive attitude despite the COVID-19 pandemic and other bad news in 2020. | |
| Kim Chiu | "Bawal Lumabas" | A Kim Chiu's statement regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and theABS-CBN franchise renewal controversy that was made into a song, which became a dancechallenge on YouTube and TikTok. | |
| Julie Anne San Jose | "Pagbangon" | AGMA News and Public Affairs charity single which is dedicated to all frontliners and patients who survived the COVID-19 pandemic to raise awareness against the virus. Also it is part of commemoration ofGMA Network's 70th anniversary campaign,Buong Puso Para Sa Pilipino. | |
| Morissette | "Phoenix" | The song's music video is an audio-visual feast, featuring Morissette's clear and powerful vocals, as well as amazing visual components and narration about how a dull and lifeless environment during the COVID-19 pandemic could be turned around by hope and chance. | [304] |
| Jamie Rivera,Iñigo Pascual,Julie Anne San Jose,Jed Madela, Robert Seña, Isay Alvarez-Seña,Mark Bautista,Rita Daniela,Gary Valenciano, Paolo Valenciano,KZ Tandingan,Aicelle Santos,Ogie Alcasid,Menchu Lauchengco, Michael Williams,Alden Richards,Ken Chan,Christian Bautista,Sarah Geronimo,Martin Nievera,Pops Fernandez,Bamboo Manalac,Apl.de.ap,Lani Misalucha, andLea Salonga | "We Heal As One" | A reworked version of the2019 Southeast Asian Games theme song, "We Win As One", originally performed byLea Salonga. This version brings all OPM singers together to raise awareness against COVID-19 pandemic and pays tribute to the frontline workers.GMA News and Public Affairs, particularlyJessica Soho is the first one to promote this song. It is produced by Floy Quintos & composed byRyan Cayabyab. Also it is part of commemoration ofGMA Network's 70th Anniversary campaign,Buong Puso Para Sa Pilipino. | |
| AKB48 | "離れていても" "Hanareteitemo" (Even When We Are Apart) | An AKB48's charity single which is dedicated to all frontliners and patients who survived the COVID-19 pandemic. This song brought all of its current members, in addition to all former aces of the entire group.Jurina Matsui is the only non-AKB48 active member and anSKE48 member to take part of this song, as well asSayaka Yamamoto who was anNMB48 graduate andRino Sashihara who was an AKB48 &HKT48 former ace & alumnus. | |
| BNK48 andCGM48 | "Touch by Heart" | A charity single which is dedicated to all frontliners and patients who survived the COVID-19 pandemic. It has 8 versions that were performed by the groups' members. Special version was performed by all members in two sister groups, Thai version for BNK48 & CGM48 leaders, Grab, English, Japanese & Isan versions for selected 1st Generation members, Lanna version for all CGM48 members & Chinese version for selected members in BNK48's 2 generations. | |
| AKB48 Team SH andCGM48 | "Dareka no Tame Ni" | Chinese and Thai versions of AKB48's digital single. This is dedicated to all frontliners and patients who survived the COVID-19 pandemic, and to all Chiang Mai residents who survived the bushfire. | |
| Namewee and Malaysian musicians and singers | "OK Lah" | A song which is dedicated to all frontliners and patients who survived the COVID-19 pandemic. Also it is connected with Malaysia's Ministry of Health to impose Movement Control Order to stop the spread of COVID-19. | [305] |
| Anonymotif andJustin Trudeau | "Speaking Moistly" | Press conference remarks by Canadian prime minister Trudeau served as basis for YouTube remix by Edmonton-based producer anonymotif (Brock Tyler). | [306] |
| ArtistsCAN | "Lean on Me" | Bilingual rendition ofBill Withers song performed at Canadian benefit concertStronger Together, Tous Ensemble. Single released in aid ofCanadian Red Cross. Initiated byTyler Shaw andFefe Dobson; featuresMichael Bublé,Justin Bieber,Avril Lavigne,Bryan Adams and others. | [307] |
| Cardi B and iMarkkeyz | "Coronavirus (Remix)" | Remix by Brooklyn DJ iMarkkeyz of an Instagram video posted by rapper Cardi B. | [308] |
| Michael Ball andCaptain Tom Moore | "You'll Never Walk Alone" | British fundraiser in aid of NHS Charities Together, recorded by actor-singer Ball, Second World War veteran Moore and NHS Voices of Care Choir. The song reached UK number 1 on April 24, 2020, days before Moore celebrated his 100th birthday. | [309] |
| Pat Benatar andNeil Giraldo | "Together" | [310] | |
| Alec Benjamin | "Six Feet Apart" | Lyrics relate to compliance with social distancing guidelines. | [311] |
| David Bisbal andAitana | "Si tú la quieres" | Bisbal remixed his song with new vocals from Aitana, accompanied by a video showing the two singers in isolation. | [312] |
| James Blunt | "The Greatest" | Single released in aid of BritishNational Health Service. | [313] |
| Bono,will.i.am,Jennifer Hudson andYoshiki | "#Sing4Life" | Bono originally performed the song on March 17, 2020, as "Let Your Love Be Known"; remixed version with collaborators was released on YouTube on March 24, 2020. | [314] |
| Brujeria | "COVID-666" | [315] | |
| Koffee | "Lockdown" | ||
| Buddy Brown | "The Coronavirus Song" | [316] | |
| Michael Bublé,Barenaked Ladies andSofia Reyes | "Gotta Be Patient" | Original song was by threeBarcelona roommates performing asStay Homas during their lockdown. Bublé's cover version is in aid ofCanadian Red Cross andArgentine Red Cross. | [317] |
| Jackie Chan,Xiao Zhan,Wang Leehom and others | "坚信爱会赢" (Believe Love Will Triumph) | Collaboration between Chinese singers and actors, released by Chinese state media. | [318] |
| Charli XCX | "claws" | Lyrics discuss love in time of self-isolation; second single from her albumhow i'm feeling now, which was recorded during lockdown. | [319] |
| Luke Combs | "Six Feet Apart" | Title refers to social distancing guidelines issued by theCDC in the USA. | [320] |
| Alice Cooper | "Don't Give Up" | Lyrics relate to staying strong in the face of the virus. | [321] |
| Neil Diamond | "Hands... Washing Hands" | Diamond re-recorded the classic song "Sweet Caroline" with updated lyrics about washing hands for safety during the pandemic. | [322] |
| Fleur East | "Not Alone" | Charity single in aid of BritishNHS COVID-19 Appeal. | [323] |
| Melody Gardot | "From Paris with Love" | Collaborative project featuring a "global digital orchestra". | [324] |
| Ben Gibbard | "Life in Quarantine" | [325] | |
| Gmac Cash | "Coronavirus" | Detroit rapper Gmac Cash later released "Big Gretch", a tribute toGretchen Whitmer's handling of the pandemic. | [326] |
| Ariana Grande andJustin Bieber | "Stuck with U" | The collaboration is in aid of the First Responders Children's Foundation. Topped the USBillboard Hot 100. | [327] |
| Kamal Haasan,Ghibran and others | "Arivum Anbum" | Tamil-language song with lyrics written by actor-politician Haasan and composed by Ghibran, with performances by many Indian musicians. | [328] |
| Hopsin | "Covid Mansion" | [329] | |
| Iceage | "Lockdown Blues" | [330] | |
| Miley Cyrus | "Angels like You" | A music video about the singer's performance at theSuper Bowl LV pre-game show on February 7, 2021. At the end of the video, a message was endorsed theCOVID-19 vaccine. | [331][332] |
| Italian Allstars 4 Life | "Ma il cielo è sempre blu [it]" | Italian all-star cover version ofRino Gaetano's 1975 hit. Released in aid ofItalian Red Cross. Features over 50 artists includingEros Ramazzotti,Nek andDiodato. | [333] |
| Jöran Steinhauer | "Vi vogliamo bene" | ||
| Elisa andTommaso Paradiso | "Andrà tutto bene" | Title inspired by the slogan used by Italian people during quarantine. | |
| Avril Lavigne | "We Are Warriors" | [334] | |
| Lady Leshurr | "Quarantine Speech" | [335] | |
| JJ Lin andStefanie Sun | "Stay with You" | Song by two of Singapore's best-known singers in tribute to medical staff inWuhan, China. | [336] |
| Oh Land | "I Miss One Week Ago" | [337] | |
| Katherine McNamara | "Just Like James" | Lyrics refer to the characterJames Bond. As part of a donation by WHO for theCOVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund. | [338] |
| Live Lounge Allstars | "Times Like These" | Cover ofFoo Fighters song by charity supergroup organised byBBC Radio 1. Originally shown as part ofThe Big Night In telethon. Reached number one in the UK. | [339] |
| BBC Radio 2 Allstars | "Stop Crying Your Heart Out" | Cover ofOasis song by charity supergroup organised byBBC Radio 2. Originally shown as part ofChildren in Need telethon. Reached number seven in the UK. | [340] |
| Matt Lucas | "Thank You Baked Potato" | Reworked version of his "Baked Potato Song" fromShooting Stars. In aid of theFeed NHS campaign. | [341] |
| Mister Cumbia | "La Cumbia del Coronavirus" | [342] | |
| New Kids on the Block | "House Party" | FeaturingBoyz II Men,Big Freedia,Naughty by Nature andJordin Sparks. | [343] |
| NIOEH,Khắc Hưng [vi],Min andErik | "Ghen Cô Vy" | Song doubling as a public service announcement, issued by Vietnam's National Institute of Occupational and Environmental Health to encourage COVID-19 hygiene measures. An English-language version was also released. | [344] |
| OneRepublic | "Better Days" | Released in aid ofMusiCares Foundation's COVID-19 Relief Fund. | [345] |
| Piso 21 | "Tomar distancia" | Title is Spanish for "Keep your distance". | [346] |
| Pitbull | "I Believe That We Will Win (World Anthem)" | Released in aid of various charities around the world according to the music video. | [347] |
| Psychs | "Spreadin' (Coronavirus)" | [348] | |
| Queen andAdam Lambert | "We Are the Champions" | Revised version, released in aid of COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund. | [349] |
| A. R. Rahman andPrasoon Joshi | "Hum Haar Nahi Maanenge" | Single released by Indian composer Rahman, lyricist Joshi and other Indian performers in aid ofPM CARES Fund. | [350] |
| Selena Gomez | "Dance Again" | As part of a donation byMusiCares for theMusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund. | [351] |
| Jaden Smith | "Cabin Fever" | [352] | |
| Reignwolf | "Cabin Fever" | [353] | |
| Residente | "Antes que el mundo se acabe" | [354] | |
| Resistiré 2020 | "Resistiré" | All-star Spanish cover version of Dúo Dinámico's 1988 hit. Song became anthem during Spain's lockdown, popularly sung by citizens to encourage Spanish health system. Performers includeDavid Bisbal,Melendi,Álex Ubago andÁlvaro Soler. | [355] |
| Resistiré México | "Resistiré" | All-star Mexican cover version of Dúo Dinámico's 1988 hit. Performers includeBelinda,Cristian Castro andGloria Trevi. | [356] |
| Taylor Swift | "Epiphany" | From her albumFolklore (2020), recorded during the COVID-19 lockdowns | [357] |
| Stunna 4 Vegas | "Covid-19" | From his albumWelcome to 4 Vegas (2020) | [358] |
| Thomas Rhett | "Be a Light" | FeaturesKeith Urban,Reba McEntire,Hillary Scott andChris Tomlin. In aid ofMusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund. | [359] |
| The Rolling Stones | "Living in a Ghost Town" | Mick Jagger fast-tracked the release of the song due to its relevance to social distancing and changed some lyrics to refer to the pandemic. | [360] |
| Molly Sandén,Victor Leksell andJoakim Berg | "Sverige" | Cover version of 2002 song by Berg's bandKent. Released in aid of Sweden'sRadiohjälpen's (Radio Aid) campaign for coronavirus. | [361] |
| Adam Sandler | "The Quarantine Song" | Film actor Sandler debuted the song onThe Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on April 2, 2020. | [362] |
| Cast ofPitch Perfect | "Love On Top" | Cast members of the film franchisePitch Perfect, performed a rendition of theBeyoncé song. Recorded in isolation as part of the charity forUnicef, from the COVID-19 pandemic and theexplosion of Beirut. | [363] |
| Clairo | "Just for Today" | [364] | |
| Tix | "Karantene" | Lyrics refer to the COVID-19 lockdowns and quarantine measures. The song topped the Norwegian singles chart in April 2020. | [365] |
| Till Lindemann andDavid Garrett | "Alle Tage ist kein Sonntag" | [366] | |
| Avenue Beat | "F2020" | Lyrics refer to the events of 2020, including the COVID-19 pandemic. | [367] |
| Twenty One Pilots | "Level of Concern" | Lyrics refer to quarantine and concern about the virus. In aid ofLive Nation's Crew Nation charity. | [368] |
| Tyga xCurtis Roach | "Bored in the House" | [369] | |
| Chris Webby | "Quarantine (Freeverse)" | [370] | |
| Weezer | "Hero" | Lyrics pay tribute to "the stay at home dreamers, the Zoom graduators, the sourdough bakers and the essential workers". | [371] |
| Yofrangel | "Corona Virus" | Released on February 9, 2020, Dominican singer Yofrangel's viral hit was one of the earliest songs on the subject. | [372] |
| Ladilla Rusa | "A un metro y medio de ti" | The track, a techno-rumba anthem in a world starring COVID-19, is about an impossible love in a supermarket queue. Although they didn't want to write anything related to the pandemic, this makinero drama stems from an anecdote in which they had to separate a metre and a half to smoke on the terrace of a bar. | [373] |
| Coheed and Cambria | "Comatose" "Disappearing Act" "Love Murder One" "The Liars Club" | Several songs on their albumVaxis – Act II: A Window of the Waking Mind were inspired by the quarantines and lockdowns experienced during the pandemic. | [374] |
| Lea Salonga | "Dream Again" | Released on August 21, 2020, the single is "an anthem for resilience and hope and a reminder for all of us that dreamed once before that it’s time to dream again." The music video for the song features fans holding up signs of things they dream of doing again. Profits from the single were donated to charities supporting COVID-19 relief around the world, including The Actor's Fund. | [375] |
| Ben Rector | A Ben Rector Christmas | With the lack of business responsibilities amidst the pandemic following the cancellation of his tour, Rector focused all of his attention on his creative works. He would rewrite most of his upcoming albumThe Joy of Music. In addition he found time to write a Christmas album, a project he had always wanted to do. The pandemic would influence the lyrics of one of the songs' tracks, "The Thanksgiving Song", with the line, "we’ve made it through / I do believe / the longest year in history." | [175][376][377] |
| Billy Pilgrim | In the Time Machine | From cleaning out his house during the pandemic, country singerKristian Bush discovered a copy of an unreleased album from his old bandBilly Pilgrim,In the Time Machine. They had assumed all 500 copies of the album were sold after the master tapes of the recordings burned in a studio fire in 2000. He reformed Billy Pilgrim withAndrew Hyra to re-release the album. | [378] |
| Ana Leira Carnero | "Funeral Music for Pandemic's Fallen Heroes" | A work composed with heartfelt emotion during this pandemic that is ravaging humanity... A musical tribute to those who gave their lives to care for the health of patients. The composer chose the tonal writing, in minor mode, and with an elegiac tone, as the most appropriate to carry out the tribute. The piece is in sonata form, with a first theme that expresses the pain of human losses, a second theme that evokes the heroism of those who fell in the exercise of their profession, and at the end it represents a heroic fight, no longer to care for others but to save one's own life, until the last notes bring death. Musically, it can be found references to funeral marches by Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Chopin and Alkan, as well as allusions to funeral drums. | [379] |