Ongoing History of New Music

Ongoing History Daily: Remembering a scientific milestone in music

On June 24, 1993, the first-ever gig streamed over the Internet was performed by a bunch of computer nerds in a band called Severe Tire Damage. They set up at Xerox PARC in Palo Alto, California, and were able to transmit their show online using a new technology called the MBone. Although the show was meant for scientists elsewhere on the Xerox campus, it was seen as far away as Australia by other like-minded nerds. 

Now, of course, netcasting gigs are as routine as a sunrise.

Another possibly game-changing gig was held recently at Lund University in University’s Malmö, Sweden, where more nerds performed the first-ever show using 3D printed instruments (guitar, bass, drums, and keyboards)—which, of course, they immediately put up on YouTube. This new way of manufacturing instruments could have interesting implications on the music world.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 39671 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

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