2020 has been one of the worst years to date for the music industry, the COVID-19 pandemic forcing everyone from artists to labels to promoters to fans to reevaluate the way things work. In particular, live music was hit the worst, with all tours and live events cancelled in March. As the new year approaches, the uncertainty for the future of live music continues, which led to the formation of Dark Forces Live.
Created by Obituary guitarist Trevor Peres, Joe Cincotta (Full Force Studio) and Sean Bell (Forever Dark), Dark Forces Live are a new company that organizes and promotes livestream concerts.
According to their website, “There are forces in our universe that conjure good and evil since the dawn of time. Now upon us, there is a Dark Force that has created social unrest, anxiety, disparity and above all, a global, viral pandemic that pushes sickness, fear and, ultimately, death. These Dark Forces have taken live music to a level of non-existence because the fear of the contagion being passed on within our species, which could eventually wipe out the entire human race. Realizing that there is no hope in the near future for music to be brought to you in a live performance venue, Trevor Peres from Obituary, Joe Cincotta from Full Force Studio and Sean Bell from Forever Dark have joined together creating Dark Forces Live to bring forth your favorite bands in a live streaming concert event platform.”
Dark Forces are starting off with a bang—the company’s first livestream will feature slam progenitors Internal Bleeding performing songs from across their 30-year career on January 2, 2021. Tickets cost $15 and are available to purchase now, but Decibel has five free tickets to give away as well. Just email [email protected] with the subject line “Dark Forces” and tell us which Internal Bleeding song you’re dying to hear—the contest ends on December 15 and winners will be contacted by December 22.