NextVR and Live Nation to broadcast 360-degree concerts

Comcast and Time Warner-backed NextVR has partnered with Live Nation to broadcast hundreds of live music concerts and events using virtual reality (VR) technology.

The first VR event to be covered as part of the deal will take place this summer, with the full schedule of events to be announced later this year.

Viewers will be able to watch the footage using VR platforms and devices such as Oculus Rift, Samsung GearVR, HTC Vive and Google Cardboard.

NextVR specialises in VR live-event streams and raised US$30.5 million in funding last November. Venture capital firm Formation 8 led the round, with Comcast Ventures and Time Warner Investments also participating.

In a statement released at the time, NextVR executive chairman Brad Allen said that the group of investors was a “major validation” of NextVR’s platform and that the funding reflects the relationships it is building “to provide marquee content”.