Image: Photo Courtesy of Parkwood Entertainment
13 Live Concerts To Stream Right Now
Summer has always been the perfect time to catch live concerts at various venues big and small, indoors and out. If you’re still not able to get out to see your favorite artist in person, streaming platforms offer plenty of options for those who want to enjoy legendary concerts from home.
Country pop
“Taylor Swift Reputation Stadium Tour” (2018)
Everybody knows Taylor Swift can sell out stadiums. Example: her tour supporting her sixth album, “Reputation,” the highest-grossing concert tour in U.S. history. The Netflix film capturing this phenomenon includes fireworks, multiple stages and a 63-foot cobra named Karyn.
Where to stream: Netflix
R&B/Soul
“Amazing Grace” (2018)
By 1972, the Queen of Soul had already won five Grammy Awards and recorded over 20 albums. But for “Amazing Grace,” Aretha Franklin wanted to do something different: She performed at the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Watts, Los Angeles, complete with gospel choir and an audience sitting in the pews. Franklin takes you to church and to school with this live recording of this breathtaking album.
Where to stream: Hulu
“Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special” (2020)
Christmas in July, anyone? Holiday specials are instant family-friendly treats, and Mariah Carey hosted one during the pandemic. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, all thanks to her smash hit song “All I Want for Christmas is You.” Last December, it returned to number one for the first time in 25 years.
At the same time, the Queen of Christmas dropped a celebration featuring some serious star power: Ariana Grande, Jennifer Hudson, Tiffany Haddish, Misty Copeland, Billy Eichner, Snoop Dogg and more. Oh, it might be summer, but you’ll still want to hear Mariah sing her big holiday classic, “All I Want for Christmas is You” (as if we needed to give you the title).
Where to stream: Apple TV+
Pop
“Ariana Grande: Excuse Me, I Love You”
Get a backstage pass to life on the road for Ariana Grande in a Netflix documentary that follows the multi-platinum singer-songwriter during her sold out 2019 Sweetener World Tour. There’s a ton of never-before-seen footage, access to her rehearsals and, most important, a view from just about every angle as she entertains audiences around the world.
Where to stream: Netflix
“Justin Timberlake + the Tennessee Kids” (2016)
Justin Timberlake is a favorite of all ages, and you can see him showcase some of his biggest songs in this concert film directed by an Oscar winner. Yes, Jonathan Demme (“Silence of the Lambs”) captured Timberlake and his Tennessee Kids band during the final date of the NSYNC alum’s “20/20 Experience World Tour.” They rocked the house at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Where to stream: Netflix
“Glee: The Concert” (2011)
“Glee,” a show about the talented outcasts of a high school glee club, was one of the most popular shows on TV from 2009 to 2015. The series even spawned this live concert tour. Cast members, including Lea Michele, Chris Colfer, Amber Riley, Darren Criss and Harry Shum Jr., stay in character for this concert, beautifully belting out covers of Journey, Lady Gaga and Britney Spears. Actress and part-time singer Gwyneth Paltrow, who guest starred on “Glee,” makes an appearance.
Where to stream: Prime Video
Latin pop
“Shakira in Concert: El Dorado World Tour” (2018)
Shakira, the highest-selling Colombian artist of all time, is a force of nature as an entertainer. In “Shakira in Concert: El Dorado World Tour,” the Grammy winner performs some of her most popular hits like “Chantaje” and “La Bicicleta,” as well as “Hips Don’t Lie” and “Whenever, Wherever.”
This concert film also lets people see the emotion, ambition and dedication that goes into producing the massive undertaking that is a world tour. Along the way, Shakira never forgets to show appreciation and love for her fans.
Where to stream: HBO Max
Rock
“Fleetwood Mac: The Dance” (1997)
An MTV special helped bring the brilliant lineup of Mick Fleetwood, Stevie Nicks, John McVie, Christine McVie and Lindsey Buckingham back together for the first time in a decade. Fleetwood Mac reunited and lit up the stage in promotion of their live album, “The Dance,” introducing them to a whole new generation of fans. Plus, what they did with “The Chain” should be classified as next-level greatness.
Where to stream: Prime Video
“Springsteen on Broadway” and “Bruce Springsteen: Western Stars” (2019)
If you’re into The Boss, then you’ve got options.
On Netflix, he hits the Big Apple in “Springsteen on Broadway.” From St. James Theatre in New York City, the music icon goes acoustic for an intimate one-man show where he plays some of his many, many hit songs and tells many, many stories about his life.
And over on HBO Max, his venue of choice is his barn in New Jersey. What’s super cool here is how he and an orchestra unite to play songs off his 2019 album “Western Stars.”
Where to stream “Springsteen on Broadway”: Netflix
Where to stream “Bruce Springsteen: Western Stars”: HBO Max
“Coldplay: A Head Full of Dreams” (2018)
Coldplay, one of the world’s biggest bands, play to tens of thousands of fans in the world’s biggest stadiums and arenas. It’s this perspective that takes front and center in “A Head Full of Dreams.” The documentary mixes Coldplay History 101 with interviews, behind-the-scenes footage and, of course, rock star performances.
Where to stream: Prime Video
Wild cards
“Prince: Sign O’ The Times” (1987)
Prince is a wild card because the late singer defied any and all labels. His music is timeless and brilliant and his songs can’t be classified under one genre.
Take a look at his “Sign O’ The Times” concert movie. Note for families: This will have to be enjoyed by parents with older kids, as there are some mature themes here. After all, it’s Prince. And anytime The Purple One is involved, everything’s going to look like a music video. It’s theatrical, it’s colorful, it’s sexy.
Where to stream: Prime Video
“Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé” (2019)
Beyoncé’s 2018 performance at Coachella paid homage to America’s historically black colleges and universities (HBCU). She made people feel seen and heard. Her powerhouse performances went instantly viral, and a Netflix movie candidly captured the moments.
According to the streaming giant, “Homecoming” traces “the emotional road from creative concept to cultural movement.” And it earned the superstar icon a Grammy for best music film. The Washington Post said if it “doesn’t convince you of Beyoncé’s greatness, nothing ever will.”
Where to stream: Netflix
Program availability may have changed and is subject to change. Streaming services may require a subscription and sometimes an additional fee.
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